The meeting between the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Olaf Scholz and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan
The meeting between the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Olaf Scholz and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan took place in Berlin.
In his speech, Chancellor Scholz noted that Germany has resumed cooperation with Armenia in the field of development. At the European level, we are working within the framework of the Eastern Partnership to help on the path of reforms here as well. It is very important that Armenia and Azerbaijan move step by step towards a long-term solution. We are concerned about the instability on the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. The status quo cannot continue, and a long-term solution must be found for the benefit of the people. In this context, it is necessary to reach a peaceful solution in terms of the territorial integrity of Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as the self-determination of the citizens of Nagorno-Karabakh. In this regard, it is necessary to reach a peaceful settlement from the point of view of the territorial integrity of Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as the self-determination of the citizens of Nagorno-Karabakh. Moreover, all these principles are equal. Germany supports the mediation efforts of the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and we have done the same by sending our personnel as part of the EU observation mission. Moreover, a German federal police officer will lead that mission.
Prime Minister Pashinyan noted that the Armenian side is pleased to note the high level of political dialogue between Armenia and Germany. Our relations are actively developing both bilaterally and multilaterally, as evidenced by recent high-level mutual visits and active contacts. We discussed issues related to Armenia-Germany trade and economic cooperation. We attached importance to the continuous efforts of both sides in the direction of maintaining the positive dynamics of growth of trade turnover and encouraging mutual investments.
Armenia attaches great importance to the inclusion of Armenia as a bilateral partner within the "BMZ 2030" reform strategy of the German Ministry of Economic Development and Cooperation, which provides an excellent opportunity to ensure the stable continuity of current reforms and programs in Armenia.
One of the key topics of our discussions was, as the Chancellor said, the security situation in the South Caucasus and the challenges facing Armenia.
After signing the declaration on November 9, 2020, Armenia spared no effort to achieve the normalization of relations with Azerbaijan and ensure the rights and security of the people of Nagorno Karabakh. Unfortunately, instead of participating in negotiations in good faith, the Azerbaijani side continues its unconstructive policy, threatens Armenia's democracy, undermining our government's efforts to establish peace, stability and security in the South Caucasus.
The most urgent issue is that since December 12, 2022 the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia and the outside world, the Lachin Corridor, has been closed by Azerbaijan, as a result of which 120,000 residents have found themselves in a blockade. These actions of Azerbaijan are a gross violation of the obligations assumed by the trilateral declaration of November 9, 2020, which is a part of the large-scale and systematic policy of Azerbaijan aimed at the ethnic cleansing of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. February 22 the International Court of Justice made a legally binding decision for Azerbaijan, obliging it to take all necessary measures to ensure the uninterrupted movement of people, vehicles and cargo in both directions through the Lachin Corridor. We call on our international partners to take active steps to ensure the immediate implementation of the court's decision by Azerbaijan. We attach importance to the clear position of Germany, a country of democracy, protection of human rights and preservation of universal values, which will support Armenia's efforts towards stability and peace in the South Caucasus.