Estonian official in Yerevan: Armenia, Azerbaijan agreeing on peace is significant

TALLINN – Mariin Ratnik, deputy secretary general for economic affairs and development cooperation at the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who visited Armenia on Wednesday and Thursday, described the news of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement as historic.

On the second day of Ratnik's visit, it was reported that Armenia and Azerbaijan had agreed in principle on peace.

"It is important for Estonia and all of Europe that the Caucasus region is stable geopolitically, and yesterday’s reports about a great step towards peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan are historic," Ratnik said according to spokespeople in Tallinn. "Now it is crucial for the peace treaty to be signed as soon as possible." 

Ratnik's meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Paruyr Hovhannisyan covered bilateral relations between Estonia and Armenia, which have become significantly closer in the past two years.

"We see Armenia taking clear steps towards Europe and pro-Western policies, and we are fully supporting them on this journey," Ratnik said.

She also spoke about the European Union's cooperation with Armenia in a meeting with Vassilis Maragos, head of the delegation of the European Union in Armenia.

Currently, one of the most central issues for Armenia is the diversification of its economy and finding new markets for its products.

"We support Armenia so you are able to reduce your economic dependence on Russia," Ratnik said in a meeting with Deputy Economic Affairs Minister Narek Hovakimyan. "It is up to Armenia to decide in which direction they would like to develop economically; however, we can support them with our experience in implementing necessary reforms, so that Armenia is ready to enter the European Union market. Together we are implementing projects that help to develop the economic environment and increase Armenia's export capabilities."

Ratnik also discussed the diversification of the economy with local entrepreneurs. 

Her meeting with Armenia's deputy education minister touched on the upcoming visit of Armenia's education minister to Estonia, and areas where Estonia can share its development experience.

"Estonia has engaged in development cooperation with Armenia since 2001; however, in the past couple of years, our activities have intensified, and our focus areas include education cooperation," Ratnik noted. 

Ratnik's meeting with Karen Nazaryan, adviser to the deputy prime minister and coordinator for the European Union, focused on Armenia's steps towards the European Union, which requires the implementation of crucial and substantial reforms, and opportunities for Estonia to share its experiences and expertise. 

The deputy secretary general also visited the innovative TUMO education center for young people, the Yerevan office of the Estonian Refugee Council, which has operated in Armenia since 2023, and the 42nd Taras Shevchenko Upper Secondary School.