Armenia Hosts NATO Parliamentary Assembly's 108th Rose-Roth Seminar

The 108th Rose-Roth Seminar, organized by the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, took place in Yerevan, Armenia, from September 22 to 23, 2025. This event marked the first time the seminar was held in Armenia since 2015, reflecting the country's evolving geopolitical landscape. Approximately 160 delegates from NATO member and associate countries attended, including heads of law enforcement agencies, diplomats, and experts. The seminar aimed to foster dialogue and cooperation in the context of establishing stable peace in the Caucasus region.

National Assembly of the Republic of ArmeniaNATO PA Rose-Roth Seminar in Yerevan opens new horizons in public diplomacyThe Region in BriefSpeaker Simonyan meets with leadership of FESEI Foundation for Strategic and International StudiesSpeaker of Parliament meets with President of the Congress of Deputies of Kingdom of Spain

The seminar featured prominent speakers, including Armenia's Defence Minister Suren Papikyan and Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan. A notable panel discussion included representatives from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, symbolizing a new chapter in public diplomacy. Panelists Armine Margaryan (Armenia), Murad Muradov (Azerbaijan), and Nigar Goksel (Turkey) engaged in discussions that highlighted the potential for regional cooperation despite historical tensions.

NATO PA Rose-Roth Seminar in Yerevan opens new horizons in public diplomacyThe Region in BriefParliament majority leader meets EU envoySpeaker of Parliament meets with President of the Congress of Deputies of Kingdom of Spain

During this period, Armenian National Assembly President Alen Simonyan was on a working visit to Spain, where he met with key political figures, including the President of the Senate, Pedro Rollán, and the President of the Congress of Deputies, Francina Armengol Socías. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing Armenia-EU relations, and addressing ongoing democratic reforms in Armenia. Simonyan emphasized the importance of the peace agreement signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Washington on August 8, 2025, which aims to establish lasting peace in the region.

Speaker of Parliament meets with President of the Congress of Deputies of Kingdom of SpainThe President of the Spanish Congress of Deputies appreciated the signed documentsSpeaker Simonyan, Spanish counterpart discuss TRIPP communication programmeSpeaker Simonyan meets with leadership of FESEI Foundation for Strategic and International StudiesArmenia and Azerbaijan signed a Declaration that opens a new page in our history. Simonyan

Alen Simonyan expressed gratitude for Spain's support in fostering peace, stating, “It is an important milestone on the path to establishing lasting peace in our region, a peace that our peoples have long been waiting for and deserve.” He also raised concerns about captives held in Azerbaijan, underscoring the humanitarian aspects of the ongoing conflict.

Speaker Simonyan, Spanish counterpart discuss TRIPP communication programme

Despite the positive dialogue at the seminar, some Armenian officials and observers expressed concern over the Azerbaijani delegate Murad Muradov's claims regarding Armenia's territorial assertions. Muradov stated, “According to the Constitution of Armenia, it has territorial claims against Azerbaijan,” which sparked criticism in Yerevan for allowing such statements to be made on Armenian soil without immediate rebuttal from Armenian officials.

The Region in BriefNATO PA Rose-Roth Seminar in Yerevan opens new horizons in public diplomacySpeaker of Parliament meets with President of the Congress of Deputies of Kingdom of SpainArmenia and Azerbaijan signed a Declaration that opens a new page in our history. Simonyan

Looking ahead, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is scheduled to address the autumn session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) from September 29 to October 3, 2025. This upcoming session will likely address ongoing regional issues, including the peace process with Azerbaijan and the broader implications for Armenia's sovereignty and democratic reforms.

Armenian Prime Minister to deliver speech at upcoming PACE sessionThe Region in BriefThe President of the Spanish Congress of Deputies appreciated the signed documentsSpeaker of Parliament meets with President of the Congress of Deputies of Kingdom of Spain

In summary, the 108th Rose-Roth Seminar in Yerevan served as a platform for dialogue on peace and cooperation in the Caucasus, while Armenia's diplomatic engagements in Spain highlighted the nation's commitment to strengthening international relations and addressing humanitarian concerns.

The Region in Brief