The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, Alen Simonyan, delivered a speech at the general debates of the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
It is a great honor for me to accept Turkey’s invitation and to speak on behalf of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia at the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. I want to note that the importance of the topic under discussion, “Sowing Hope, Securing Peace and Ensuring Justice for Future Generations,” cannot be overestimated. Let me state an obvious truth: a prosperous present and future are built on the foundations of hope, peace, and justice.
In the case of Armenia, this very idea shapes our policy and guides our actions. We strive for a future where everyone will have equal opportunities for social and economic well-being.
But who is simply dreaming of a better future, and who is actually building it? Future generations cannot build the world they will inherit. At best, they can only trust us to act wisely on their behalf.
Hope sustains our desire for justice and our ability to trust. Our actions today must serve to build that trust. Future generations must believe that the peace we are building today is lasting.
Make no mistake: the cracks in our world are deep and serious. We are deeply concerned about the situation in Iran, and my prayers are with the Iranian people. The crisis in Lebanon cannot be ignored either. Certainly, the test we face is severe. But who, if not we, has the power and the moral obligation to heal our world?
Armenia fully accepts this responsibility.
Since the agreement signed by the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the United States in 2025, peace has reigned in our region. This is truly a great achievement. But our vision is broader. We invite Turkey to become a partner and join us in weaving the fabric of peace. To this end, we stand ready to deepen our relations with Turkey.
After decades of mistrust and hostility, a new era of trust-building has begun between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Efforts to consolidate this progress are now focused on strengthening communications and ensuring that peace is effectively translated into reality on the ground.
The implementation of the Trump Way Forward for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) is another important milestone. This initiative aims to develop regional ties and expand international trade routes simultaneously.
Based on the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction, TRIPP has the potential to promote stability, economic cooperation, and prosperity in the South Caucasus and beyond.
The encouraging signs of settlement are undeniable. For the first time in years, trade between Armenia and Azerbaijan has begun to take shape. The import of Azerbaijani goods into Armenia is a symbolic and practical step toward restoring economic ties. These are the fruits of peace – tangible improvements that directly benefit our people.
At the same time, serious humanitarian issues still need to be addressed. To continue building confidence and achieve genuine reconciliation, the 19 Armenians held in Azerbaijan must be released and reunited with their families, and the fate of the remaining missing persons must be clarified.
Dear colleagues, now is the time to set priorities, and we must choose them wisely for the benefit of future generations. And who are the next generations? They are our children and grandchildren. It is our sacred duty to be worthy of them, leaving a legacy of peace, not war.”
