Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. This gathering, noted by AzerTaj, underscored the ongoing focus on regional stability and high-level engagement among key European and Caucasus actors. The exchange appeared aimed at signaling continuity in diplomacy during a period of intensified dialogue about security and cooperation in the South Caucasus. AzerTaj reported the participants’ presence, though specific outcomes were not disclosed at that moment.
Pashinyan’s participation in the conference was anticipated after a prior announcement by the Armenian Council of Ministers. He clarified that his visit to Germany was tied to his attendance at the Munich Security Conference, a forum where leaders from allied nations discuss strategic issues, security architectures, and regional alignments. His itinerary reflected Armenia’s preference to engage directly with international partners as part of a broader approach to regional diplomacy and security cooperation.
Earlier in Munich, Pashinyan held discussions with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and the prospects for deeper cooperation between Yerevan and Washington. The talks were framed around sustaining dialogue, confidence-building measures, and supporting peace initiatives that could reduce tensions and foster more predictable interactions among regional players. The engagement also highlighted the role Washington is willing to play as a partner in pursuing durable settlement mechanisms.
Secretary Blinken characterized Armenia as a valuable partner for the United States, praising Yerevan’s commitment to pursuing lasting peace. The remarks reflected a continued U.S. interest in mediation, regional security guarantees, and humanitarian considerations linked to the conflict’s consequences. The dialogue signaled a collaborative approach among the United States, Armenia, and other stakeholders to promote stability while addressing national security concerns and regional legitimacy in the Caucasus region.
In a broader context, Pashinyan had previously stated that Armenia does not intend to pursue NATO membership at this time. The clarification highlighted Armenia’s balancing act between alliance partnerships, regional security commitments, and its own strategic priorities, including diversified security assurances and partnerships beyond a single alliance framework. The statements contributed to a clearer understanding of how Armenia positions itself within the evolving security architecture of Europe and neighboring regions, even as diplomatic channels with major powers remain active and open for future consultations with security partners. This ongoing diplomacy continues to shape the dynamics of negotiations and cooperation among Armenia, Azerbaijan, and their international partners, with ongoing attention to conflict resolution, humanitarian concerns, and regional stability.