By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has expressed his support for the upcoming negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which will take place in Almaty on May 1, 2024.  The talks proposed by the Kazakh side and to be held at the Foreign Ministers' level aim to prepare a peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The significance of Almaty as the meeting location cannot be understated. The historic Alma-Ata Declaration was signed in this city in December 1991, laying the foundation for the independent development of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. The Declaration also established the principles of interstate borders, symbolizing a new era of cooperation in the post-Soviet space.

President Tokayev highlighted that these talks could play a critical role in moving the Azerbaijani-Armenian agreements forward and helping to establish a lasting and durable peace in the South Caucasus region. The prospect of such peace talks in Almaty carries a  significant weight, given the city's role in shaping the region's modern history.

The upcoming negotiations are seen as a vital step towards resolving long-standing conflicts and fostering a new chapter of stability and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The President's statement underscores Kazakhstan's commitment to supporting the peace process and contributing to the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts.