1. On 22 May, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, hosted President Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Pashinyan of Armenia. It was their third discussion in this format. They focused on the situation in the South Caucasus and the development of EU relations with both countries as well as the broader region.
2. The discussion was frank and productive. The leaders reviewed the entire set of issues and had a detailed discussion on humanitarian issues, including demining, and efforts to free detainees and address the fate of missing persons.
The following outcomes were reached:
3. The first joint meeting of the Border Commissions will take place on the inter-state border over the coming days. It will address all questions related to the delimitation of the border and how best to ensure a stable situation.
4. The leaders agreed on the need to proceed with the unblocking of transport links. They agreed on the principles governing transit between western Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan, and between different parts of Armenia via Azerbaijan, as well as international transport through communications infrastructure of both countries. Notably they agreed on principles of border administration, security, land fees but also customs in the context of international transport. The Deputy Prime Ministers will take this work forward in the coming days.
5. The leaders agreed to advance discussions on the future peace treaty governing inter-state relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Teams led by the Foreign Ministers will take this process forward over the coming weeks. In addition to this track, the necessity to address the rights and security of the ethnic Armenian population in Karabakh was also stressed to both leaders.
6. The EU will take forward with both parties the work of the Economic Advisory Group, which seeks to advance economic development for the benefit of both countries and their populations.
7. President Michel also stressed the importance of preparing the populations for long-term sustainable peace. The EU is ready to step up its support. The leaders agreed to remain in close contact and will meet again in the same format by July or August.
8. The European Union will continue to cooperate closely in its efforts with the OSCE, including the Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship.
The Candidate Countries REPUBLIC of NORTH MACEDONIA*, MONTENEGRO*, SERBIA* and ALBANIA*, the Country of the Stabilisation and Association Process and Potential Candidate BOSNIA and HERZEGOVINA, and the EFTA countries ICELAND, LIECHTENSTEIN and NORWAY, members of the European Economic Area, as well as GEORGIA align themselves with this statement.
* Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process