OSCE Ministerial Council resolution marks new step in the direction of sustainable peace within the South Caucasus

VIENNA/HELSINKI, 1 September 2025 – The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Foreign Minister of Finland Elina Valtonen, and OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu welcome the adoption of a Ministerial Council resolution closing the Minsk course of and associated buildings following a Joint Appeal from Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“I would like to once again extend my warmest congratulations to Armenia and Azerbaijan on their historic agreements towards peace and normalization of relations and their resolute decision to start their prompt implementation. I have responded without delay to their Joint Appeal and would like to express my sincere appreciation to the parties for their excellent co-operation in the process. I also would like to commend participating States for their collaborative spirit in achieving this consensus,” mentioned Minister Valtonen.

This Ministerial Council resolution follows the 8 August Joint Declaration signed in Washington D.C by Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and witnessed by U.S. President Donald J. Trump. The Ministerial Council resolution was adopted by consensus of all 57 OSCE taking part States.

“This is a historic development that underlines what diplomacy can achieve, even after decades of conflict and mistrust. It demonstrates that agreement remains possible when there is a shared determination between parties to find common ground,” mentioned Secretary General Sinirlioğlu.

The OSCE Chairperson-in Office and OSCE Secretary General reaffirmed their unwavering dedication to supporting efforts that carry lasting peace and stability to Armenia, Azerbaijan and the broader area.

Following the adoption of this resolution, the OSCE will take steps to implement the closure of the Minsk Process and its associated buildings. Only administrative features, such because the handover of belongings and gear, will proceed till the method is accomplished no later than 1 December 2025.