Pashinyan highlights value of direct dialogue with Baku

PanARMENIAN.Net - The purpose of direct contacts between Armenian and Azerbaijani representatives is to restore momentum to the peace process and reaffirm both countries’ commitment to the peace agenda, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during a question-and-answer session with the government in the National Assembly.

Pashinyan was commenting on the meeting in Dilijan between Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan and Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan.

“It was very important for us immediately after the elections not to lose the momentum of the peace process. It was important that the peace process return to its natural dynamic,” Pashinyan said, according to Armenpress.

According to the prime minister, a similar approach existed on the Azerbaijani side, which led to the organization of the meeting between Grigoryan and Hajiyev.

He stated that the main objective of the talks was to restore the normal course of the peace process.

“Our experience has shown that direct bilateral contacts are important,” Pashinyan emphasized.

The prime minister also described it as significant that such a meeting was held on Armenian territory for the first time. In his assessment, the next meeting will likely take place in Azerbaijan.

“It is very important that through this, Armenia and Azerbaijan reaffirm their commitment to the peace agenda,” Pashinyan said.

The Dilijan meeting was one of the latest direct contacts between senior officials from the two countries as negotiations continue.

On June 14, Hikmet Hajiyev, foreign policy adviser to the President of Azerbaijan, and Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan met in Dilijan.

Following the talks, both sides issued identical statements saying that they had discussed issues related to the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace agenda and emphasized the importance of continuing direct bilateral dialogue.