BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. On 13–14
February 2026, a bilateral roundtable was held in Armenia in the
city of Tsaghkadzor within the framework of the “Peace Bridge”
initiative, bringing together representatives of the civil
societies, expert community, and media of Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Alongside the core members of the initiative, the meeting engaged a
broader circle of participants from both sides, reaffirming the
commitment to an inclusive and sustained dialogue platform, Trend
reports.
The Azerbaijani delegation arrived in Armenia via the land
border through a delimited and demarcated section near the Armenian
village of Voskepar and the Azerbaijani village of Ashaghi
Askipara, having completed all required procedures. The crossing
was regarded by participants as an important practical
confidence-building measure and a visible reflection of the gradual
normalization process between the two countries.
Discussions focused on the current stage and future trajectories
of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, the implementation of the peace
agenda endorsed during the Washington Summit on August 8, 2025, and
its implications for the region. Participants exchanged assessments
of the evolving regional security environment and the economic
opportunities created by the peace process.
A dedicated session addressed cooperation between the
participants of the dialogue, including joint projects, public
communication strategies, and mechanisms for intersocietal
interactions. Considerable attention was given to trust-building,
public diplomacy, and the development of practical recommendations
aimed at supporting rapprochement at the societal level.
Further discussions focused on regional security, borders, and
connectivity, presenting the visions and expectations of both
parties. Informal cultural and social activities held alongside the
formal sessions contributed to interpersonal contacts and a
constructive atmosphere.
On the second day, participants examined the benefits of
sustainable peace and the potential social and economic gains of
establishing intersocietal relations. Views were exchanged on
public expectations in both societies and on ways to ensure that
the peace process delivers tangible results for citizens.
As part of the program, participants held meetings with senior
officials from Armenia, including Secretary of the Security Council
Armen Grigoryan and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Vahan
Kostanyan. These discussions provided an opportunity to exchange
views on the role of civil society in supporting the peace agenda
and on ways in which public initiatives can complement official
efforts aimed at advancing peace.
The event concluded with a press conference summarizing the
outcomes of the discussions.
The Azerbaijani delegation departed through the same delimited
border section, marking another practical step in
confidence-building. Participants reaffirmed that regular
engagement within the “Peace Bridge” format can contribute
meaningfully to strengthening mutual trust, expanding professional
cooperation, and supporting the gradual normalization of
Armenian-Azerbaijani relations.
On February 13, an Azerbaijani delegation visited Armenia to
participate in a bilateral roundtable discussion within the
framework of the "Peace Bridge" initiative.
The meeting is attended by extended delegations from both
sides.
Emin Aliyev, Editor-in-Chief of Trend International Information
Agency, was among the Azerbaijani representatives.
The delegation from Azerbaijan consists of 19 members.
