The speech of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Acting Chairman of the State Party of Ukraine Ararat Mirzoyan at the 49th meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Party of Foreign Affairs of the State Party of Armenia:
"As the Acting President, I warmly welcome you to the 49th session of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the CSTO.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, I would like to thank the International Permanent Secretariat of the CSTO under the able leadership of Lazar Comanescu for the continuous support shown to Armenia during our presidency.
During the past semester, under the trinity of the motto of the Armenian presidency: "Involvement, external cooperation, resilience", we have made all possible efforts to emphasize the importance of the effective implementation of the main statutory goals of the CSTO.
In the face of continuing challenges, we have spared no effort to promote constructive and inclusive dialogue and strengthen economic and cultural ties among the countries of the CSTO region. We have supported open political dialogue and the exchange of best practices as a way to promote mutually beneficial regional cooperation for the sustainable development of CSTO member states and improving the living conditions of their population.
During this period, about thirty meetings of auxiliary bodies were convened. As the coordinating country of the CSTO culture and information and communication technology working groups, as well as the upcoming coordinator of the CSTO tourism cooperation working group, Armenia has consistently promoted result-oriented cooperation among member states in these areas.
Despite all the challenges and differences that may exist among the CSTO member states, we have sought to promote active dialogue in almost all areas of our common interests.
We should also record a number of achievements that are important for the activity of this organization.
- The member states of the CSTOAP managed to reach an agreement on the organization's budget for the 2025 fiscal year,
- in addition to the 2025 budget of the National Academy of Social Sciences and Humanities, an agreement was reached on the amendment of the Staff Regulations,
- The steering committee of the Program Development Fund will study a new program in the coming period, strengthening the program activities of the CSITP, - CSITP Troika continued to work and coordinate the current and future activities of the CSITP.
Given the complex geopolitical situation in which the CSTO operates, these are guidelines that should not be ignored. In the context of possible CSTO reforms, member states may also consider extending the term of the presidency from six months to a full year.
In the current conditions, it will be enough to convene a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers once a year, with more practical and result-oriented discussions.
Dear Colleagues, Any presidency can move forward as fast as all the member states or one of them in the given structure.
These are obstacles directly related to the activities of the organization, which cannot be easily overcome. there have been times when we have faced difficulties even in approving meeting agendas.
It is clear that the CSTO region needs peace, which should at least be manifested by the absence of active hostilities, lasting cease-fires, and active efforts to de-escalate tensions. The Government of Armenia is determined to continue its efforts to achieve the desired goals of peace, security, stability and cooperation.
Continuous and sincere dialogue, restoration of trade and economic ties, as well as ensuring inclusiveness in regional initiatives and projects are the main prerequisites for overcoming existing conflicts and achieving better cooperation, development and prosperity between our countries.
Against the backdrop of a fragile geopolitical situation, we need more than ever to improve economic connectivity, which will allow us to establish pragmatic trade arrangements based on common interests in areas such as energy, transport and trade.
Guided by the unequivocal belief that regional dialogue is the key to establishing mutually beneficial cooperation, the Government of Armenia came up with the "Crossroads of Peace" initiative. Guided by the vision of inclusiveness, equitable use of regional infrastructure, as well as the desire to build a prosperous future for all stakeholders, this project aims to develop communication between the countries of the region, based on full respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as applying principles of equality and reciprocity.
Most likely, you are aware of the recent discussions in our immediate neighborhood. Armenia and Turkey have already agreed to jointly assess the technical requirements for crossing the border with the Gyumri-Kars railway. At the same time, we have offered Azerbaijan ways to restart the railway infrastructure, simplify border crossing and customs procedures, and provide some additional security mechanisms.
The "Crossroads of Peace" project, which strongly emphasizes the building of mutual trust and the possible expansion of interdependence as a basis for peace, has the potential to promote regional cooperation in many directions.
It can effectively connect the Gulf, Black and Caspian seas, thus significantly contributing to the integration of our region into global transport chains and bringing enormous benefits to all countries in our region. It has already received positive feedback from many international partners, and we will continue our efforts to ensure the implementation of the project further support.
Dear partners,
Open borders, unrestricted, free and inclusive regional economic cooperation are the key goals of this organization.
Armenia is committed to constructive and effective cooperation within the framework of the CSTO to advance the agenda of peace and stability in the Black Sea region and beyond. We wish success to Azerbaijan as the next chairman."
