Armenian prime minister highlights transport links, regional connectivity as key next steps after Yerevan EU summit

YEREVAN, Armenia (MNTV) — Armenia’s prime minister Nikol Pashinyan said efforts to normalize relations with Azerbaijan will continue beyond any future peace treaty, stressing the need for additional agreements on sectoral cooperation.

Speaking alongside António Costa, president of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, following an Armenia–EU summit in Yerevan, Pashinyan said a peace agreement would mark the beginning rather than the end of the process.

“Signing and ratifying a peace agreement does not mean the work is finished,” he said. “The text itself makes it clear that additional arrangements will be required afterward, including on sectoral cooperation.”

He pointed to transport as a key area, noting that some cooperation is already taking place informally. Pashinyan emphasized the importance of reopening regional routes, including borders with Türkiye, to facilitate trade and movement.

“It is extremely important that we fully open roads for each other,” he said, adding that improved connectivity would support economic development and regional integration.

The prime minister said the principle guiding cooperation should be unhindered transport links while respecting territorial integrity and sovereignty.

He also referenced prior trilateral understandings between Armenia, Azerbaijan and international partners, including a summit held in Washington in August 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to stabilize relations.

Pashinyan said there is “enormous potential” in expanding cooperation and expressed cautious optimism about progress.

“For the first time in our shared history, Armenia and Azerbaijan are using the same or very similar rhetoric,” he said. “We are learning to live in conditions of peace.”

Despite the progress, he acknowledged that defining and implementing lasting peace remains an evolving process for both countries.

https://www.muslimnetwork.tv/armenia-azerbaijan-normalization-to-require-further-agreements/