The “Bridge of Peace” Initiative is an ongoing program implemented by the Armenian Council, aimed at fostering constructive dialogue between the civil societies, expert communities, and media of Armenia and Azerbaijan as a vital component of the peace process.
Within the framework of the initiative, bilateral meetings, working visits, roundtable discussions, and joint initiatives are organized with the objective of deepening mutual understanding, strengthening trust, and advancing the peace agenda.
On October 21–22, 2025, with the support of the official authorities of Armenia and Azerbaijan, an Armenian–Azerbaijani bilateral roundtable discussion was held in Yerevan. This event marked the first meeting in this format between representatives of civil society and expert communities of the two countries, conducted within the framework of the Joint Declaration adopted in Washington on August 8, 2025. The discussions addressed prospects for the peace process, humanitarian issues, economic and logistical opportunities, as well as confidence-building measures. As part of the visit, participants also met with the Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia, Armen Grigoryan.
As a continuation of the program, on November 21–22, 2025, a delegation of Armenian civil society representatives conducted a working visit to Azerbaijan under the “Bridge of Peace” Initiative. The Armenian side was represented by Arek Kochinyan, Boris Navasardyan, Naira Sultanyan, Narek Minasyan, and Samvel Meliksetyan, who held meetings with their Azerbaijani counterparts Farhad Mammadov, Rusif Huseynov, Kamala Mammadova, Ramil Iskandarli, and Fuad Abdullayev.
During the visit, discussions focused on the Armenian–Azerbaijani peace process and its dynamics, the role of civil society in promoting dialogue, and the potential for implementing joint projects. Particular attention was given to peace-related issues of concern to the societies of both countries.
The parties agreed to intensify cooperation in the media sphere, establish direct contacts between expert groups, and ensure the continuous involvement of civil society in the peace process. An understanding was also reached to continue working-level engagement and to plan further reciprocal visits to Armenia and Azerbaijan within the framework of the initiative.
As part of the visit, members of the initiative also met with Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration. The meeting addressed the steps undertaken by Armenia and Azerbaijan following the Washington meeting to strengthen the peace agenda, and responses were provided to questions raised by the initiative’s representatives.
The “Bridge of Peace” Initiative is designed as a sustained effort, envisaging the institutionalization of dialogue, the expansion of joint initiatives, and the deepening of civic engagement in peacebuilding as a key instrument for establishing stable and lasting peace in the region.
