Ignazio Cassis meets with Armenian prime minister and foreign minister in Yerevan
Yerevan, 15.10.2026 — Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis was in Yerevan on 15 October for meetings with the Armenian prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan, and the minister of foreign affairs, Ararat Mirzoian. Discussions focused on the prospects for peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the strengthening of bilateral relations between Switzerland and Armenia and security challenges in Europe. In his capacity as chairman-in-office of the OSCE, Mr Cassis emphasised the importance of dialogue in consolidating peace and stability in the region.
The peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan was a key topic in Mr Cassis's talks with Mr Pashinyan and Mr Mirzoian. Switzerland welcomes the progress made since the peace agreement was initialled in 2025, opening up historic prospects for the entire South Caucasus. A lasting normalisation of relations could also boost trade, improve regional ties and open up new prospects for development and prosperity.
In addition, the discussions provided the opportunity for a review of bilateral relations between Switzerland and Armenia, which both countries wish to strengthen. In particular, the dynamism of Armenia's technology sector, regional connectivity projects and ongoing reforms offer new opportunities for cooperation in the fields of trade, innovation and sustainable development. Switzerland is maintaining its commitment to economic development and the strengthening of democratic institutions in Armenia. Discussions also focused on Switzerland’s cooperation programme for the South Caucasus for the period 2026–2029. Once this programme comes to an end, development cooperation will evolve into a partnership that is more focused on economic exchanges and the new opportunities offered by the dynamism of the Armenian economy.
A shared commitment to multilateralism was another topic discussed. Following the European Political Community summit held in Yerevan in May 2026, Switzerland will in turn host European leaders in April 2027. Mr Cassis and Mr Mirzoian also discussed ways of strengthening their cooperation within international forums, in particular through International Geneva.
In his capacity as chairman-in-office of the OSCE, Ignazio Cassis also addressed the security challenges facing Europe. In a context marked by tensions and a loss of trust, he highlighted the organisation’s vital role in bringing together all stakeholders concerned with European security around the same table, even when their positions differ profoundly. The OSCE thus helps to prevent conflicts and promote the search for common solutions. “In difficult times, dialogue is not a sign of weakness. It is essential for reducing tensions, restoring trust and finding solutions,” emphasised Federal Councillor Cassis.