Sweden to continue supporting Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, says Foreign Minister Tobias Billström

The most important component for creating security and stability in the South Caucasus is a sustainable peace agreement, Sweden’s Foreign Minister Tobias Billström has said in response to a question from legislator Erik Hellsborn.

Erik Hellsborn posted the question and answer on X.

The lawmaker asked the foreign minister, in context of the Armenian POWs held in Azerbaijan, “in the event that the USA decides on sanctions against Azerbaijan, might Sweden do the same?”

“The government assumes that Azerbaijan lives up to its international commitments and acts in accordance with international law. The government follows ongoing relevant legal proceedings at the International Court of Justice in The Hague (ICJ),” the Swedish foreign minister responded. “Respect for human rights forms a basis for Sweden in all international contacts. The government works actively to promote human rights and strengthen civil society in Azerbaijan and closely follows developments in the country. The government stands behind HR/VP Borrell's statement on 22 January in which he expresses that violations of Armenia's territorial integrity are unacceptable and would have serious consequences for Azerbaijan's relationship with the EU. In such a case, no action should be excluded, including sanctions. The most important component for creating security and stability in the region is a sustainable peace agreement. The government welcomes the agreements between Armenia and Azerbaijan on 7 December 2023 and 19 April 2024, which included, among other things, the exchange of prisoners of war and the regularization of parts of the border. Sweden will continue to support the peace process together with our partners.”