As talks shift from planning to action, the task of drawing and delimiting the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is entering a notably active phase. This update came from Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during a recent interview, signaling a tangible move toward defining the line that separates the two nations. The shift signals a turn from general discussions to concrete steps on the ground, with implications for security, sovereignty, and regional stability that are closely watched by observers in both North America and beyond.
In plain terms, demarcation and delimitation refer to two linked but distinct tasks. Delimitation is the process of agreeing on the exact line on a map where each side’s borders should lie, while demarcation involves placing physical markers, such as fences or landmarks, along that agreed line. For the Republic of Armenia, these steps are framed as essential to understanding where Armenia began and where its current boundaries should be drawn. Pashinyan underscored this during his visit to the Tavush region, an area near the margins of the Azerbaijani border, stressing that knowledge of the starting point and the expected end point is widely understood yet must be confirmed through formal, state-backed procedures.
The Prime Minister stressed that the process requires meticulous work by specialized commissions. Their mandate is clear: determine where Armenia’s state borders should begin, and thus formalize the boundary as recognized by both sides. He emphasized that Yerevan launched this initiative with a dual aim — to anchor security on the ground and to reduce the risk of renewed hostilities by establishing a transparent, agreed framework for the border. This approach is framed as a preventative measure, designed to avert escalation by providing a stable, recognized line of control that all parties can reference.
On March 7, a formal meeting took place involving the border commissions from both sides, a session chaired by Armenia’s Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan and Azerbaijan’s Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev. It marked the seventh gathering in a continuing series of discussions dedicated to sorting out the practicalities of where the border will be drawn and how to mark it physically. The cadence of these meetings reflects a structured, ongoing effort to translate diplomatic dialogue into actionable outcomes on the ground, with a clear focus on reducing ambiguity and preventing misinterpretations that could lead to conflict or miscalculation.
Meanwhile, Armenia has also been signaling a broader context in which border openness and regional connectivity are being considered. Preparations for any potential opening of the border with Türkiye have been discussed in parallel, signaling an awareness of evolving regional dynamics and the importance of predictable routes for trade, travel, and cross-border cooperation. The interplay between these discussions and the Armenia-Azerbaijan border process points to a broader strategy aimed at reinforcing stability while expanding practical links with neighboring states. The overarching objective remains the same: to create a stable environment where borders are clear, agreed, and verifiable, thereby fostering peaceful engagement across the region.