Deputy Chair of the Delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Obren Petrović, participated in the 108th Rose-Roth Seminar of the NATO PA in Yerevan

The Deputy Chair of the Delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina (PA BiH) to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA), Obren Petrović, took part in the 108th Rose-Roth Seminar of the NATO PA, held in Yerevan (Republic of Armenia) on 22–23 September.

The seminar, entitled “Armenia and the South Caucasus in a Changing World: Strengthening Democracy and Regional Security”, was organised in cooperation between the NATO PA and the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, with the support of the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) and the Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS/SIPOL). The event brought together around 70 parliamentarians from NATO member and partner countries, as well as experts from international organisations, academia, and the non-governmental sector.

Throughout the two-day programme, participants discussed the key challenges in the fields of democratisation and security in the South Caucasus, with particular focus on relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, regional geopolitical developments, and the prospects for Armenia’s cooperation with NATO and the European Union (EU). Special attention was given to strengthening the resilience of democratic institutions, countering hybrid threats and disinformation, as well as to economic challenges and opportunities for regional cooperation.

On the first day of the seminar, sessions were held on the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, internal and foreign policy challenges in the South Caucasus, and Armenia’s partnership with NATO and the EU. The new partnership agenda between Armenia and NATO/EU was also examined, further enhancing political and security relations, including reforms of the armed forces and police, alongside the economic benefits stemming from Armenia’s European path. It was emphasised that Armenia pursues a balanced foreign policy aimed at maintaining good relations with all key regional stakeholders.

On the second day, discussions centred on the democratic resilience of Armenia and the wider region, security and hybrid threats, and economic challenges and opportunities for cooperation in the South Caucasus. The importance of inclusive dialogue and the strengthening of democratic processes as the foundations of stability and lasting peace was underlined. The participants were also addressed by the Ambassador of the United States of America to Armenia, Kristina Kvien, who highlighted the crucial role of the US administration in halting the conflict and mediating the peace agreement in Washington. She stressed that the United States would continue to support Armenia in implementing reforms in the armed forces, police, and institutions, as well as in strengthening infrastructure and economic development, reaffirming its commitment to cooperation with Armenia and regional partners in building lasting peace and stability.

The participants of the Rose-Roth Seminar in Yerevan also exchanged views on other current global and regional issues, giving the highest praise to the organisation and content of the seminar held in the Armenian capital. (End)