Within the framework of the “Bridge of Peace” initiative, a bilateral round table with the participation of civil society representatives from Armenia and Azerbaijan was held in the Azerbaijani city of Gabala, the initiative said in a press release.

Participants of the fourth bilateral round table were received by Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration.

The discussion focused on regional security, progress in the political-level peace process, and the role of civil society in normalizing relations, the statement said.

The regular meeting of Armenian and Azerbaijani civil society representatives within the “Bridge of Peace” initiative is being held on April 10–12 in Gabala.

The meeting brought together representatives of non-governmental organizations, media, and think tanks from both countries. The Armenian delegation traveled to Azerbaijan via the land border, crossing a section that has been officially delimited and demarcated, and underwent all relevant border and passport control procedures.

According to the statement, the border crossing itself was a symbolic step by the initiative aimed at strengthening trust between the societies of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Prior to the dialogue, representatives of the “Bridge of Peace” initiative held meetings and discussions with various segments of civil society in their respective countries to better understand public expectations and perceptions regarding the peace process.

During a separate session, participants presented the results of these meetings, highlighting key concerns, expectations, and perspectives within their societies.

Taking these public expectations into account, the final session was dedicated to an exchange of ideas on further steps in the next stages of the peace process.

The two-day dialogue concluded with a press conference summarizing the results of the fourth meeting. The discussions were held in a constructive and frank atmosphere, reaffirming the belief that there is no alternative to the peace agenda, the statement said.

Participants of the dialogue, organized within the framework of the “Bridge of Peace” initiative with the support of the governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan, reaffirmed their intention to continue joint efforts to strengthen confidence in the next stages of the peace process.