In general, both in the context of COP29 and outside of it, we constantly speak and pursue the issue of the immediate release of captives and other detained persons, as well as other humanitarian issues, in conversations with Azerbaijan and our other partners. Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated this during Thursday’s debates on the 2025 state budget draft at the joint meeting of the standing committees of the National Assembly of Armenia—and in response to opposition MP Armen Rustamyan’s question as to whether it is possible to condition Armenia's participation in the COP29 climate conference—to be held in the Azerbaijani capital Baku next month—with the release of Armenians being held captive in Azerbaijan.

"You know, there is an issue of missing people, there is an issue of forced disappearances, and so on. This is one of our constant discussion and No. 1 priorities," he said.

As for Armenia's participation in COP29, Mirzoyan informed: "Our participation in COP29 is not confirmed in any way. We have received the invitation, we have not manifested any official reaction and attitude in this matter and, of course, we do not rule [it] out either."