Armenia and Azerbaijan succeed in reaching arrangements promoting formation of atmosphere for peace: acting FM

Armenia’s acting Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan participated in the joint sessions of the CSTO councils of foreign ministers, defense ministers and national security secretaries on November 8 in Astana.

The agenda of the session included issues on cooperation in the sidelines of the CSTO, international and regional security, partnership in international organizations. Reference was made to the developments in Afghanistan, Syria and Middle East.

Speaking at the event, Armenia’s acting minister reiterated Armenia’s readiness to continue strengthening the defense potential of the CSTO member states and undertake steps addressed to confronting contemporary challenges and threats.

Mnatsakanyan also highlighted the measures addressed to the increase of the CSTO peacekeeping potential and strengthening cooperation with the UN.

Speaking about the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement, the acting minister stressed that the new government of Armenia has many times reiterated its commitment to exclusively peaceful settlement of the conflict under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk group. He stressed the significance of the meeting that took place between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Dushanbe which resulted in the arrangements the implementation of which will promote the formation of atmosphere for peaceful process.

Mnatsakanyan stressed that Artsakh’s security and status are priorities for Armenia.

The acting minister also emphasized the necessity to avoid bellicose rhetoric as it results in hostility and distrust in the region. He also expressed concern over the race of arms which he said does not promote the regulation of the issue.

During the joint session a number of decisions have been signed.