Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has expressed optimism about the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, declaring that the two countries have “never been so close to peace and stability.” His remarks came during an exclusive interview with Turkish broadcaster NTV, on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
In the interview, Mirzoyan discussed the progress in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace negotiations, the normalization of Armenia-Turkey relations, and regional developments, including transport corridors and global geopolitical shifts.
Highlighting the significance of recent developments, Mirzoyan confirmed that Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed on the text of a draft peace treaty — a major milestone in the decades-long conflict.
“This is an unprecedented, historic step,” Mirzoyan said, noting that the draft includes mutual recognition of territorial integrity based on the borders that existed at the time of the Soviet Union’s dissolution. The agreement also envisages non-interference in internal affairs and the establishment of a bilateral commission to oversee implementation and resolve potential disputes.
While a specific date or venue for signing the treaty has not been finalized, Mirzoyan said both sides could consider either signing at the border or in a mutually acceptable third country.
The Azerbaijani side, however, keeps raising concerns over references in Armenia’s Declaration of Independence and Constitution, suggesting these imply territorial claims. Mirzoyan denied such allegations, emphasizing that Armenia sees no constitutional barrier to signing the agreement.
“The Constitutional Court of Armenia has already ruled positively on similar issues,” he said, referring to a past ruling regarding border delimitation based on the Alma-Ata Declaration. “If the peace agreement is ratified and confirmed by the Court, that should resolve the concerns.”
Mirzoyan also suggested that the issue of the Minsk Group could be addressed through a joint statement declaring the group’s dissolution — simultaneously with the signing of the peace treaty. He argued that the group’s relevance ends once the conflict is acknowledged as resolved.
Asked about the so-called “Zangezur Corridor,” a term Armenia does not officially use, Mirzoyan reiterated Armenia’s readiness to open transport links — but under sovereign control.
“We are not against transport routes or regional connectivity,” he said. “But any attempt to establish extraterritorial control is unacceptable.
He added that opening infrastructure would also enable the revival of railway connections between Armenia and Turkey, a development he said could transform regional logistics.
Turning to Armenia-Turkey relations, Mirzoyan said dialogue with Ankara remains active and constructive. Special envoys from both countries — Serdar K?l?ç for Turkey and Ruben Rubinyan for Armenia — continue to engage, and direct discussions between the foreign ministers are ongoing.
Mirzoyan suggested that success in one track could positively influence the other.
“We believe that progress in Armenian-Turkish normalization can have a positive impact on Armenian-Azerbaijani relations — and vice versa,” he said.
When asked if this moment was particularly suitable for peace, Mirzoyan offered a nuanced view.
“I don’t know if the time is ever suitable,” he said. “But I can say with confidence — and I think my Turkish and Azerbaijani colleagues would agree — that we have never come this far. We have never been closer to lasting peace and stability.”
