A press statement has been released on the outcomes of the February 13–14 Armenia–Azerbaijan conference held within the framework of the “Peace Bridge” initiative, APA reports.
The statement was issued by the Armenian Council.
“On February 13–14, 2026, a bilateral roundtable was held in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia, within the framework of the ‘Peace Bridge’ initiative, with the participation of representatives of civil society, the expert community, and the media from Azerbaijan and Armenia.
In addition to the core members of the initiative, a broader circle of participants from both sides took part in the meeting, reaffirming their commitment to an inclusive and sustainable dialogue platform.
The Azerbaijani delegation entered the country after completing all necessary procedures, crossing the delimited and demarcated land border section between Azerbaijan’s Ashagi Askipara village and Armenia’s Voskepar village.
This crossing was assessed by participants as an important practical step toward strengthening trust and a clear indication of the gradual progress in the normalization process between the two countries.
The discussions focused on the current stage and future directions of Azerbaijan–Armenia relations, the implementation of the peace agenda endorsed at the Washington Summit on August 8, 2025, and its implications for the region.
Participants exchanged views on the evolving regional security environment and the economic opportunities arising from the peace process.
A separate session was devoted to cooperation among dialogue participants, including joint projects, public communication strategies, and mechanisms for inter-societal interaction.
Special attention was given to developing practical recommendations supporting confidence-building measures, public diplomacy, and rapprochement at the societal level.
Issues related to regional security, borders, and connectivity were also extensively discussed, with both sides presenting their views and expectations.
In addition to official sessions, informal cultural and social events contributed to the development of interpersonal ties and the formation of a constructive atmosphere.
On the second day, participants reviewed the advantages of sustainable peace and the potential socio-economic benefits of building inter-societal relations. Public expectations in both societies and ways to ensure that the peace process delivers tangible results for citizens were discussed.
Within the program, participants met with senior Armenian officials, including Secretary of the Security Council Armen Grigoryan and Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan. These discussions provided an opportunity to exchange views on the role of civil society in supporting the peace agenda and how public initiatives can complement official efforts.
The event concluded with a press conference on the outcomes of the discussions.
The Azerbaijani delegation returned via the same delimited border section, marking another practical step toward strengthening trust.
Participants once again reaffirmed that regular cooperation within the ‘Peace Bridge’ format can make a significant contribution to enhancing mutual trust, expanding professional cooperation, and the gradual normalization of Azerbaijan–Armenia relations,” the statement said.
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