For the European Union (EU) the importance of the region is uncontested. It has been so for a very long time, but now the broader geopolitical challenges in the wider neighborhood are highlighting that importance.

This was stated by the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, Ambassador Magdalena Grono, at the 3rd South Caucasus Regional Dialogue Forum. “We are ever more committed to continuing deep cooperation in bilateral ties, but also specifically regionally.

As for the conflict resolution processes, in the Armenia–Azerbaijan context they are bilaterally driven, but there is a lot of space for supporting initiatives in very practical ways, and this is indeed what we're trying to do. (...). I am really delighted to be here with you and to hear your reflections on this momentous opportunity that has opened up in the region over the last year, since the initialing of the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

It is a momentous opportunity for the two countries to put the legacies of conflict behind them, but also to really advance regional cooperation in a regional format — one that looks towards the East and towards the West, not only towards the Caspian and towards Europe; we've also seen important openings, for instance, towards the Middle East. (...). For the European Union — and I will be brief here — the importance of the region is uncontested.

It has been so for a very long time, but now the broader geopolitical challenges in the wider neighborhood are highlighting that importance. We are ever more committed to continuing deep cooperation in bilateral ties, but also specifically regionally.

As for the conflict resolution processes, in the Armenia–Azerbaijan context they are bilaterally driven, but there is a lot of space for supporting initiatives in very practical ways, and this is indeed what we're trying to do.

The last word I wanted to say is that, as I've already alluded to, there are a lot of very specific sectoral areas where advancement has been possible and will still be possible — from delimitation to trade to connectivity.

That last element is an important strategic priority for the EU. But no less important is working with societies in a way that they will feel comfortable owning a lasting, just and sustainable peace,” the EU official stated, in particular.