Statement in response to the opening address of H.E. Ms. Maka Botchorishvili, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, delivered by Ambassador Andranik Hovhannisyan at the 1133rd Meeting of the Forum for Security Co-operation

22 April, 2026

Mr. Chairperson,

Armenia warmly welcomes H.E. Ms. Maka Botchorishvili, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, to the OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation and thanks for her address.

Georgia is a fraternal country, a neighbor with whom Armenia shares deep cultural ties, common traditions and longstanding bonds of friendship between our peoples. It is worth recalling that, according to Georgian national legend, the forefathers of our nations were brothers. This relationship has a truly unique historical record spanning more than two millennia of peaceful coexistence. Few such examples can be found in world history.

It is therefore with confidence that we affirm that the friendly ties between Armenia and Georgia constitute an important pillar of peace and stability in our region. These relations were further elevated two years ago with the establishment of a strategic partnership, aimed, inter alia, at contributing to peace and security in the neighborhood and beyond.

In this context, we are particularly pleased that Georgia is assuming the Chairmanship of the FSC. We are confident that Georgia will enrich the work of the Forum by bringing the perspective of our region into our deliberations. This is especially important given that the South Caucasus has experienced significant military and political upheavals during almost the whole period of existence of the OSCE. A region where the principles of the Helsinki Final Act and OSCE commitments have been challenged so many times. It is also a region acutely aware of the threats associated with the erosion of arms control arrangements and CSBMs.

We therefore believe that this is an opportune moment to take stock of the experience of our region, which has also long been one of the OSCE’s key areas of engagement. Such reflection could help identify stronger sides of our work, but also the root causes of our collective shortcomings and chart a more effective and forward-looking approach, free from the flaws of the past.

Madam Minister,

We thank Georgia for its continued support to the establishment of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which opens new prospects for enhanced regional cooperation. This potential can contribute to strengthening the sovereignty and independence of all states in the region and to consolidating the foundations of lasting peace and stability.

Today, the South Caucasus is emerging as a stable region, which was unthinkable just a short time ago. This is particularly notable against the backdrop of ongoing wars and disruptions, including of the critical infrastructure, in our broader neighborhood. Nurturing and building upon stability in our region are essential. It is incumbent upon us to unlock the full potential of regional cooperation, foster connectivity, and further invest in the institutionalization of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The OSCE, including its arms control mechanisms and CSBMs can support this endeavor. This organization and its commitments are as necessary in times of peace as they are in times of conflict. However, meaningful engagement requires sustained commitment, a strategic vision, and consistent efforts. In this regard, the OSCE Secretariat and the Conflict Prevention Centre must be adequately resourced and equipped to effectively contribute to these objectives.

Finally, Armenia reaffirms its recognition of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and wishes the Georgian people continued well-being, as well as durable peace and security. These objectives are of equal importance to Armenia.

Madam Minister, we are confident that your able team in Vienna, led by Ambassador Alexander Maisuradze, will skillfully guide the work of the Forum during Georgia’s Chairmanship of the FSC. We thank France, the outgoing chair, for the excellent work.

Thank you.

MFA RA
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