Armenia, Switzerland discuss bilateral agenda in Bern

PanARMENIAN.Net - On March 28, political consultations took place in Bern between the foreign ministries of Armenia and Switzerland. The Armenian delegation was led by Samvel Mkrtchyan, Head of the European Department at the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while Muriel Peneveyre, Head of the Eurasian Division of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, headed the Swiss delegation.

The agenda included the Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization process. The Armenian side expressed appreciation for Switzerland’s consistent support for establishing peace.

During the discussions, both parties reviewed a broad range of issues on the bilateral agenda and stressed the importance of expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the high level of political dialogue between Armenia and Switzerland. They also addressed their effective cooperation within international organizations.

Urgent international and regional developments were discussed, with both delegations exchanging views and articulating their positions.

The Swiss Council of States recently adopted motion No. 24.4259 titled “A Peace Forum for Nagorno-Karabakh: Ensuring the Possibility of Return for Armenians.” Of the 46 members, 29 voted in favor and 12 against. Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis and several lawmakers attempted to block the resolution, arguing that it contradicted international law since the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh are not considered legal subjects under it. Cassis also claimed that there was no need for such an initiative, as a peace treaty between Baku and Yerevan was imminent.

However, supporters of the resolution countered that Switzerland had proven its effectiveness as a neutral mediator. They emphasized that enabling dialogue between Azerbaijan and representatives of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh could facilitate the safe and organized return of those forcibly displaced.