On April 14 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan participated in the session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the CIS states, which was held in a narrow and then in an enlarged format.

During the session, the CIS states discussed a number of issues on the agenda of the meeting, especially on cooperation in the humanitarian and cultural fields, and exchanged views on regional issues. During the session, a number of documents were adopted, including the decisions on declaring the city of Gyumri the "Sports Capital of the CIS" in 2024 and the city of Kapan the "Youth Capital of the CIS" in 2026.

In the remarks of the Armenian side, it was noted that the meeting is being held on the 30th anniversary of the signing of the CIS Charter, and it is a good opportunity to reiterate the commitment of the CIS states to the fundamental provisions of that key document, particularly to the ensuring of human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with the norms and principles of international law, the inviolability of state borders, the recognition of existing borders and rejection of illegal territorial claims, as well as "the determination to implement the provisions of the agreement on the establishment of the CIS, the protocol attached to that agreement, as well as the Alma-Ata Declaration".

It was emphasised that only with joint constructive efforts it will be possible to achieve clear and tangible results for increasing the efficiency of the CIS activities.

In the context of the security situation in the South Caucasus, the Armenian side stressed that it efforts aimed at stabilising the situation and establishing sustainable peace are being disrupted by the continuous aggressive rhetoric of the official Baku and military aggressions, another manifestation of which was the provocation carried out on April 11 in the territory of the Republic of Armenia, in the area of Tegh village of Syunik Region. It was underlined that Azerbaijan's actions contradict the statements of the Prague and Sochi meetings.

In the context of the illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor by Azerbaijan, which has been ongoing for four months now, it was highlighted that Armenia expects effective steps from all sides towards implementation of their commitments and adhering to the decision of the International Court of Justice of February 22, and restoring the unimpeded movement along the Lachin corridor strictly in line with the provisions of the November 9, 2020, Trilateral Statement. 

Touching upon the violations of other provisions of the Trilateral Statement, it was pointed out that, contrary to numerous appeals from the international community and remarkable human rights organisations, which also prove cases of inhuman treatment, Azerbaijan continues to illegally hold Armenian prisoners of war and civilian captives under hostage, carrying out sham trials against them.

In conclusion, it was mentioned that despite all the difficulties, the Armenian side is committed to its obligations and is ready to make all efforts towards achieving peace and stability in our region.