Armenian FM takes part in event marking Armenia`s accession to PCA

ArmInfo.  On September 18, in The Hague, a ceremony dedicated to Armenia's accession to the Permanent Court of Arbitration was held at the Peace Palace.

The event was attended by the President of the International Criminal  Court, representatives of the Royal House of the Netherlands, the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the OPCW, the Carnegie Foundation, as  well as heads of diplomatic missions accredited in The Hague.

The event was attended by the President of the International Criminal  Court, representatives of the Royal House of the Netherlands, the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the OPCW, the Carnegie Foundation, as  well as heads of diplomatic missions accredited in The Hague.

The Secretary-General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration  emphasized in his remarks that Armenia's accession to the Court is  fully in line with the ambitious political vision, which emphasizes  the importance of effective mechanisms for investment dispute  resolution in today's interconnected global economy, as well as  advancing national development goals.

Acting President of the Court's Administrative Council, Juraj  Podhorsky noted that the ratification of the founding Conventions of  the Court clearly demonstrates how much multilateralism and peaceful  dispute settlement matter for Armenia. 

There is a beautiful tradition of national chairs to which every PCA  contracting party is entitled. Each of these chairs, through the  special woodwork, craftsmanship, use of the most elegant textiles,  and special embroidery, constitutes a unique piece of art. Each of  these chairs bears the coat of arms of a PCA contracting party,  symbolizing sovereignty of the state and the central role of states  who established and govern the court.

The full text of Minister Mirzoyan's remarks is presented below.

Honourable Acting President of the Administrative Council,

Honourable Secretary-General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration,

Distinguished Colleagues, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is both a pleasure and an honor to be here today at the Permanent  Court of Arbitration. I would like to begin by expressing my sincere  gratitude for the warm welcome extended to our delegation and for the  open and constructive dialogue that has accompanied Armenia's  accession to the founding Conventions of the Permanent Court of  Arbitration. I would also like to extend our appreciation to the  Kingdom of the Netherlands - both as the host country of the Court  and as the Depositary of two Conventions - for its unwavering support  to international legal institutions and the rule of law in general. 

With the accession to the Conventions for the Pacific Settlement of  International Disputes, concluded at The Hague in 1899 and 1907, the  Republic of Armenia became the 125th Contracting Party of the  Permanent Court of Arbitration. It feels a little bit symbolic that  Armenia became the 125th member just as the Court marked 125 years of  service to justice and the rule of law last year. 

As a newly acceded member of the Court, Armenia acknowledges its  commitment to upholding the Court's mandate of strengthening the rule  of law and fostering international cooperation - values that are  deeply rooted in Armenia's legal commitments and international  aspirations.

At a time when the international system faces growing pressures, we  believe that institutions like the Permanent Court of Arbitration -  with their long-standing tradition of neutrality, legal excellence,  and constructive dialogue - are more essential than ever.

The Court's role in facilitating arbitration and other means of  dispute resolution between states, state entities, international  organizations and private parties is both historic and  forward-looking. It provides a vital platform for upholding  international legal norms and fostering cooperation grounded in law  and mutual respect.

Armenia sees its accession to the PCA Conventions as part of a  broader vision: to reinforce the international order based on  international law and safeguard the place of justice in international  relations. We are confident that by deepening our involvement in  international legal developments, we are strengthening our ability to  contribute meaningfully to the international legal order. This is  also why the Republic of Armenia acceded as the 124th State Party to  the Rome Statute last year. 

Armenia's decision to join the Court is also a reflection of our own  national experience. We know, perhaps better than many, the  importance of impartial mechanisms of dispute settlement, where law  prevails over force and dialogue over coercion. It is in this spirit  that Armenia views the PCA as a bridge to a more just and peaceful  future.

Joining this community of nations enhances Armenia's investment  climate by providing additional legal safeguards.  The Government of  the Republic of Armenia recognizes that the modern investment  environment relies not only on bold ideas and economic opportunities,  but also on trust and that state policy should consistently be aimed  at creating a reliable and investment-friendly environment, where  disputes do not hinder cooperation, but are addressed in a spirit of  mutual trust and professionalism.

Excellencies,

As we mark this important milestone, I wish to reaffirm Armenia's  full support for the mission and mandate of the Court. We stand ready  to contribute as a committed partner to the shared goal of advancing  the peaceful settlement of disputes through international law.

Let me conclude by emphasizing that Armenia's accession is a pledge  to work actively with all member states, the Court, and the wider  international community to make dialogue, law, and peace the  cornerstones of our common future.

Thank you.