Speech of Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Robert Abisoghomonyan at the 19th Midterm Ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement
On October 16, in Kampala, Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Robert Abisogomonyan participated and delivered remarks at the 19th Midterm Ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement.
Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia in his speech particularly noted:
“Distinguished Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the outset, I would like to extend my gratitude to the Government of Uganda for organizing the 19th Midterm Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement in Kampala. We appreciate the leadership of H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, in his capacity as Chair of the NAM, for promoting the Movement’s role in global affairs.
We also thank Uganda for extending an invitation to the Republic of Armenia as an observer state to participate in this Midterm Ministerial Meeting of NAM. It is noteworthy that this is the first time in six years that Armenia is delivering an address at an official NAM meeting. We value the adherence to the NAM’s principles and rules, as enshrined in the Cartagena Document on Methodology, and appreciate Uganda’s efforts in ensuring inclusivity and respect for diverse voices within the Movement.
In the current geopolitical landscape, when multilateralism is increasingly undermined, trust between states is eroding and international law is challenged, Armenia believes that international platforms should mobilize their efforts to ensure an adequate and timely response. We must remain firm in rejecting the use of force and any action that violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
One of the central topics of the Kampala Declaration and the NAM agenda as a whole is the question of Palestine. In this regard, Armenia has continuously emphasized that only two independent neighboring states can guarantee lasting stability, security, peace and prosperity for both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples, where all enjoy the benefits of peaceful coexistence. With this in mind and as a longstanding supporter of the two-state solution, Armenia recognized the State of Palestine in June 2024 and subsequently, during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, established diplomatic relations. Armenia actively participated in the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia and supported its outcome document – the New York Declaration. We welcome the agreement on a ceasefire in Gaza, which ensures unimpeded humanitarian access and the release of hostages. Most importantly, negotiations must remain the only viable means of achieving a lasting and dignified peace in the Middle East based on the Two-State Solution.
Mr. Chair,
Armenia remains fully committed to sustaining peace, stability and prosperity in the South Caucasus. The trilateral meeting held in Washington D.C., on 8 August this year resulted in the initialing of the Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan and the signing of a Joint Declaration by the Prime Minister of Armenia, the President of Azerbaijan, and the President of the United States as a witness. This marks the establishment of peace in our region, opening up new opportunities for political dialogue, trade and investments, including with NAM Member States.
We are confident that the full opening of transport communications will unlock the region’s vast transit and trade potential. Furthermore, the implementation of the “Crossroads of Peace” initiative and its integral component, the TRIPP connectivity project, will generate new opportunities for economic growth, dialogue and people-to-people contacts, thus contributing to broader stability and prosperity. These initiatives reflect Armenia’s vision of transforming our region into a bridge between markets and cultures, founded on peace and cooperation. We count on the support of the Non-Aligned Movement to the “Crossroads of Peace” initiative and the TRIPP connectivity project.
Last, but not least, in October 2026 Armenia will host the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. For two weeks our capital, Yerevan, will become a center of global environmental negotiations on such key topics as the Global Review of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, resource mobilization, and inter-linkage between climate change and biodiversity conservation. The Armenian Presidency will spare no effort to ensure that COP17 is a truly inclusive, multi-stakeholder endeavor, bringing together governments, international organizations, indigenous peoples and local communities, civil society and private sector to shape efficient and result-oriented actions for biodiversity protection.
To conclude, Mr. Chair, let me emphasize the readiness of the Republic of Armenia to work closely with the Non-Aligned Movement and its Member States to further our common and shared goals of peace, mutual respect, non-use of force and international cooperation.
Thank you.”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia