On September 18, a special ceremony was held at The Hague’s Peace Palace marking Armenia’s accession to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). The event brought together the President of the PCA, members of the Dutch royal family, representatives of the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the Carnegie Foundation, and numerous heads of diplomatic missions accredited in The Hague.
During the ceremony, speeches were delivered by Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, PCA Secretary General Marcin Czepelak, and Acting Chair of the PCA Administrative Council Juraj Podborsky, who is also Slovakia’s ambassador to the Netherlands.
Czepelak highlighted Armenia’s accession as aligned with the country's "ambitious political vision" in a global economy that increasingly values effective mechanisms for dispute resolution and investment protection. Podborsky noted that Armenia’s ratification of the PCA’s founding conventions "clearly signals the country’s strong commitment to multilateralism and peaceful dispute settlement."
The event also included the unveiling of Armenia’s national chair, an artistic tradition at the PCA, with each member state represented by a uniquely crafted seat bearing national symbols to reflect sovereignty and the country’s contribution to the court’s mission.
In his address, Foreign Minister Mirzoyan noted that Armenia became the 125th member state of the PCA, coinciding symbolically with the Court’s own 125th anniversary celebrated last year.
He reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to the Court’s mission of upholding the rule of law and fostering international cooperation. “Armenia’s decision to join the PCA fits within our broader vision to reinforce a world order based on international law and to ensure justice has its rightful place in international relations,” he stated.
Mirzoyan emphasized that Armenia’s participation is not only a legal move, but also reflects the country’s national experience. “Perhaps more than others, we understand the importance of impartial dispute resolution mechanisms where law prevails over force, and dialogue over coercion,” he said.
The minister added that PCA membership will enhance Armenia’s investment climate by offering legal guarantees and reinforcing trust. “Modern investment environments rely not only on bold ideas and opportunities but also on trust. State policy must foster a reliable, dispute-free environment grounded in professionalism and mutual respect,” he concluded.
Through its accession to the Hague Conventions, Armenia now has the right to nominate arbitrators who may serve in inter-state disputes and investment arbitration proceedings before the PCA.
