Civil society representatives from Azerbaijan and Armenia Meet for “Peace Bridge” Initiative [PHOTOS]

From 10 to 12 April 2026, the city of Gabala, Azerbaijan, hosted
a bilateral roundtable within the framework of the “Peace Bridge”
Initiative, bringing together representatives of Azerbaijani and
Armenian civil society, AzerNEWS reports.

The latest roundtable convened representatives of
non-governmental organizations, media outlets, and think tanks from
both countries.

The Armenian delegation arrived in Azerbaijan via the land
border, crossing through a formally delimited and demarcated
section and undergoing all relevant border and passport control
procedures. The crossing itself constituted another symbolic step
by the “Peace Bridge” Initiative toward strengthening
confidencebuilding measures between the societies of Azerbaijan and
Armenia.

Over the course of two days, four discussion sessions were held.
Participants discussed geopolitical developments in and around the
South Caucasus and their impact on the peace process. Azerbaijani
and Armenian experts also exchanged views on the respective
positions and visions of Azerbaijan and Armenia regarding regional
developments.

Prior to the bilateral dialogue, representatives of the “Peace
Bridge” Initiative held meetings and discussions with various
segments of civil society in their respective countries in order to
better understand public expectations and perceptions of the peace
process. During a separate session, participants in the “Peace
Bridge” Initiative presented the findings of those meetings,
highlighting the principal concerns, expectations, and viewpoints
expressed within their respective societies.

Taking into account the expectations expressed within their
societies, participants devoted the concluding session to an
exchange of views on future joint and individual activities during
the next stages of the peace process.

On 11 April, participants in the fourth bilateral roundtable
held within the framework of the “Peace Bridge” Initiative met with
H.E. Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of
Azerbaijan – Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs of
the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The
discussion focused on regional security, the progress of the peace
process at the political level, and the contribution of civil
society to the normalization process.

The two-day dialogue concluded with a press conference at which
the outcomes of the fourth meeting were summarized.

The latest meeting of civil society representatives took place
in an atmosphere of constructive dialogue, candid discussions, and
a reaffirmation that there is no alternative to the peace agenda.
Participants in the dialogue, organized within the framework of the
“Peace Bridge” Initiative with the support of the governments of
Azerbaijan and Armenia, expressed their intention to continue joint
efforts aimed at strengthening confidence during the next stages of
the peace process.