Netherlands Announces Funding to Help Locate Remains of Missing Persons in Armenia and Azerbaijan

YEREVAN — The Netherlands has announced new financial assistance to support efforts to locate and recover the remains of missing persons in Armenia and Azerbaijan, as part of broader initiatives aimed at strengthening mutual trust and advancing regional peace.

The announcement came during a joint press conference involving Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and his Dutch counterpart, where the officials discussed the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, Armenia-Turkey normalization efforts, and opportunities for regional cooperation.

Mirzoyan said he had briefed his Dutch counterpart on developments in the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, ongoing dialogue between Armenia and Turkey, and emerging opportunities for regional cooperation. The discussions also addressed the potential for greater Dutch involvement in these initiatives.

The Dutch foreign minister welcomed the significant steps taken by Armenia and Azerbaijan toward establishing peace over the past year, emphasizing the importance of completing the process through the signing of a formal peace agreement.

“I once again express my support for the steps Armenia has taken to advance this process and commend the efforts to establish peace in the region. It is extremely important that this process culminates in the signing of a peace agreement, and we will support you in this effort until the very end,” the Dutch minister stated.

The Dutch foreign minister also announced additional financial assistance for efforts to locate the remains of missing persons, stressing that the initiative would benefit both Armenia and Azerbaijan.

According to the minister, addressing the issue of missing persons is essential to building confidence between the two countries and contributing to lasting peace.

The Netherlands is also prepared to explore additional forms of assistance beyond financial support, the minister added.

Mirzoyan expressed appreciation for the Netherlands’ commitment, emphasizing that the fate of missing persons remains a deeply important humanitarian issue for both Armenia and Azerbaijan.

He welcomed the Dutch contribution, noting that cooperation in this area could help address longstanding humanitarian concerns while strengthening confidence between the two countries.