Baku, September 26, 2025
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, praised the progress made by Azerbaijan and Armenia in their peace process, describing the Washington-brokered agreement of August 8 as a turning point for the South Caucasus.
In an interview with the U.S. bureau of Report, Berset called the initialing of the peace agreement in the White House – in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump and the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia – “an event of exceptional importance, not only for the two nations but for the entire region.”
“Given what has been achieved, this is a very positive development, and we are sincerely pleased to see such progress. The Council of Europe has long worked with all its member states, including Azerbaijan and Armenia, and provides the right platform for sustained dialogue,” Berset said.
He added that he maintains regular contact with President Ilham Aliyev and also stays in touch with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to help move the process forward.
Berset highlighted his recent meeting with President Aliyev on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week in New York, which he described as “very successful.” He stressed that both sides’ commitment to peace should be valued not only as an achievement but also as an opportunity to expand cooperation in the South Caucasus.
“The world today needs stability, peace, and predictability, but in many places we don’t see that. That is why we must participate in these processes. Seeing Azerbaijan and Armenia sign a peace agreement and restore ties is truly encouraging,” Berset said.
The Secretary General underlined the importance of the South Caucasus to the Council of Europe, noting that Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia are all members.
“Breaking ties or turning away from one another is never a good option. The best way forward is always to work together, recognize differences, and pursue common goals. That is the surest path to stability,” he concluded.
