In a recent development, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has disclosed that Armenia and Azerbaijan are engaged in discussions regarding the possibility of a reciprocal withdrawal of troops from their shared border areas. This revelation was made during a joint press briefing with Margus Tsahkna, the Foreign Minister of Estonia, in Yerevan.
Mirzoyan emphasized that the initial phase of the agreements made with Azerbaijan, particularly the hosting of the Climate Conference by Azerbaijan in 2024, has already been successfully executed. He underscored that these agreements are not the sole options to foster mutual trust and that other potential avenues are currently being explored.
The minister put forth that Yerevan has proposed an initiative to withdraw troops from the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. “We firmly believe that this will yield positive outcomes and contribute to averting any potential escalations,” stated Mirzoyan. He clarified that although no agreement has been reached yet, the idea is presently being deliberated alongside other potential solutions.
In a joint statement released by Armenia and Azerbaijan on December 7, Yerevan declared that, as part of a series of goodwill gestures aimed at promoting reconciliation between the two nations, it would not impede Azerbaijan’s candidacy to host the upcoming COP29 U.N. climate conference next year.
The talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan regarding the mutual withdrawal of troops from the border areas represent a significant advancement towards de-escalation and the normalization of relations. This step can potentially decrease tensions, prevent minor incidents from escalating into larger conflicts, and foster a more stable and peaceful environment. It also signifies a willingness from both sides to engage in dialogue and work towards peacefully resolving their issues.
Moreover, this move can open doors for further collaboration in various domains, including trade and diplomacy. The reciprocal withdrawal of troops can be viewed as a gesture of goodwill, which can help establish trust and enhance relations. For Armenia, the withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from the border could diminish security threats and enable a greater focus on internal affairs and development.
Similarly, for Azerbaijan, the withdrawal of Armenian troops could alleviate security concerns and enhance its international reputation by showcasing its commitment to peace. However, the outcome will depend on the progress of the discussions and the successful implementation of the proposed troop withdrawal.