President of the European Council Charles Michel has told Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan that it is necessary that the rights and security of the ethnic Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) be addressed.

The three held their third meeting since December in Brussels on Sunday, May 22 and focused on the situation in the South Caucasus and the development of EU relations with both countries as well as the broader region.

"The leaders agreed to advance discussions on the future peace treaty governing inter-state relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Teams led by the Foreign Ministers will take forward this process in the coming weeks. In addition to this track, I also stressed to both leaders that it was necessary that the rights and security of the ethnic Armenian population in Karabakh be addressed," Michel said in a statement.

Michel added that EU will take forward with both parties the work of the Economic Advisory Group, which seeks to advance economic development for the benefit of both countries and their populations.

"I also stressed the importance of preparing the populations for long-term sustainable peace. The EU is ready to step up its support," the European Council chief said.

The three then agreed to remain in close contact and meet again in the same format by July/August.