Press communiqué of the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions

GENEVA, 1 July 2026 - The 67^th round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) took place on 30 June – 1 July 2026 in the UN Palais des Nations. In accordance with the six-point agreement of 12 August 2008 and implementing measures of 8 September 2008, this round took place in two Working Groups dealing with security and humanitarian issues, respectively. It was preceded by an information session on the topic "Incident Prevention Mechanisms: Comparative Lessons from other contexts” conducted by UN experts from the Standby Team of Senior Mediation Advisers.

During their exchanges, the participants underlined that their continued engagement in the GID testifies to their commitment to a peaceful settlement of all pending issues. In light of the challenging situation and security developments in the wider region, the participants reiterated the importance of the GID’s contribution to stability and security in the South Caucasus.

In Working Group I, the participants reviewed the security situation on the ground since the 66^th round held in March 2026. Despite persisting diverging views on the matter, they continued their exchanges, with a particular focus on the agenda item “Non-Use of Force and International Security Arrangements”. They also explored possible ways to ensure the resumption of the Gali Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism.

In Working Group II, the participants discussed humanitarian issues, including crossings, documentation, livelihoods, missing persons, and health. Exchanges continued on freedom of movement and external mobility. Participants also expressed the wish to discuss in more detail issues relating to education. The agenda item “returns” of internally displaced persons and refugees could again not be discussed during this round, due to a walkout by some participants.

It was agreed to hold the next round in November 2026 in Geneva.