In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev and Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a peace agreement at a White House summit with President Trump, marking an end to prolonged hostilities and fostering new opportunities for transport and trade.
Historic Peace Agreement Signed Between Azerbaijan and Armenia at White House Summit
Historic Peace Agreement Signed Between Azerbaijan and Armenia at White House Summit
Azerbaijan and Armenia's leaders forge a landmark peace deal under the auspices of President Trump, aiming to end decades of conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.
Azerbaijan and Armenia have taken a monumental step towards lasting peace after their leaders convened at the White House under President Donald Trump's guidance. The historic summit led to the signing of an agreement focused on the cessation of hostilities that have plagued the region for decades.
President Trump celebrated the accord, which he described as "historic," affirming that it would restore essential transport routes and enhance U.S. involvement in the Caucasus region. He expressed optimism about a future devoid of conflict, mentioning the promise of both countries to end fighting "forever."
During the ceremony, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan shook hands, symbolizing a newfound friendship after 35 years of conflict over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. "We lost a lot of years being preoccupied with wars and bloodshed," Aliyev remarked. Pashinyan echoed these sentiments, calling the agreement a "significant milestone" that would pave the way for enduring peace.
As part of the accord, the U.S. plans to construct a major transit corridor dubbed the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, aimed at linking Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan exclave, which is currently separated by Armenian territory. Past negotiations have stalled over the contentious issues surrounding the corridor, but the new agreement hopes to resolve these long-standing disputes.
Both leaders lauded Trump’s involvement, with Aliyev declaring, "In six months, [Trump] did a miracle," showcasing the U.S. president's ambition to broker peace among warring nations during his second term.
This summit marks a significant shift in regional dynamics, with the United States expanding its influence, potentially sidelining Russia, historically a key mediator. Russian President Vladimir Putin has taken steps to insert Moscow's interests in the peace talks, but both Armenia and Azerbaijan have opted for the American-led solution.
The announcement of the new agreement comes just days before Trump is set to meet with Putin in Alaska, as the global stage observes this pivotal moment in the quest for stability between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
