In a momentous ceremony at the White House, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan inked a peace agreement designed to conclude decades of hostility between their nations. President Donald Trump described the historic signing as "a long time coming," expressing optimism for an era of collaboration and peace.
The agreement includes critical provisions to reopen vital transport routes and strengthens US influence in the Caucasus region. Aliyev acknowledged that their lengthy warfare had cost them dearly, emphasizing the significance of establishing peace. Pashinyan echoed this sentiment, heralding the day as a turning point in Armenian-Azerbaijani relations.
With Trump as a mediator, both leaders affirmed a commitment to halt all hostilities "forever," pledging to enhance travel, trade, and diplomatic ties. In addition, the White House announced plans to construct a new transit corridor dubbed the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, which aims to connect Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan exclave, previously separated by Armenian territory.
Historically, the territorial dispute fueled years of violence, with Armenia seeking control over routes significant to both nations. Trump's involvement is significant, as it narrows Russia's previously dominant mediation role in the conflict. The Kremlin's influence has waned in favor of US-led negotiations, marking a strategic shift in regional geopolitics.
Despite expressing praise for the American president and his diplomatic team, both leaders remain cautious about long-term peace, especially given the volatility of the region. The summit also precedes Trump's upcoming discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscoring the evolving dynamics of power in the region.
As Azerbaijan and Armenia chart a path toward reconciliation, the longstanding history of mistrust and conflict leaves many wondering whether this agreement can deliver lasting peace.
