The leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia have taken a monumental step towards ending years of animosity by signing a peace agreement at the White House, facilitated by President Donald Trump. In a ceremony held on Friday, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan came together to shake hands, with Trump labeling the event as a "historic" moment for the two countries.
"This agreement is a long time coming," Trump remarked, noting that it will reopen vital transport routes and amplify US influence in the Caucasus region. The two nations have historically been embroiled in conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh area—a territory predominantly inhabited by ethnic Armenians but recognized as part of Azerbaijan.
Trump stated that both leaders committed to ending all hostilities "forever" and establishing open relations in travel, business, and diplomacy. Aliyev emphasized the necessity for peace, stating, “We have lost many years due to wars and bloodshed,” while Pashinyan hailed the agreement as a significant milestone in bilateral ties.
As part of the deal, the US will assist in constructing a new transit corridor—dubbed the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity—that will link Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan exclave, separated by Armenian territory. Previous negotiations halted over disagreements regarding control of this corridor, raising tensions in the region.
Aliyev commended Trump's diplomatic efforts, claiming that a "miracle" has been achieved in just six months under his leadership. Trump further announced a bilateral agreement to bolster energy and technology exchanges between the two nations.
This summit not only signifies a reduction in Russian influence in the region, where Moscow has traditionally held significant negotiating power, but it also showcases the United States' growing clout in facilitating peace in the Caucasus. The agreement comes ahead of Trump's scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, indicating a shift in the dynamic of regional politics. However, some Armenians remain apprehensive about the enduring potential for conflict despite the assurances of peace.
"This agreement is a long time coming," Trump remarked, noting that it will reopen vital transport routes and amplify US influence in the Caucasus region. The two nations have historically been embroiled in conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh area—a territory predominantly inhabited by ethnic Armenians but recognized as part of Azerbaijan.
Trump stated that both leaders committed to ending all hostilities "forever" and establishing open relations in travel, business, and diplomacy. Aliyev emphasized the necessity for peace, stating, “We have lost many years due to wars and bloodshed,” while Pashinyan hailed the agreement as a significant milestone in bilateral ties.
As part of the deal, the US will assist in constructing a new transit corridor—dubbed the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity—that will link Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan exclave, separated by Armenian territory. Previous negotiations halted over disagreements regarding control of this corridor, raising tensions in the region.
Aliyev commended Trump's diplomatic efforts, claiming that a "miracle" has been achieved in just six months under his leadership. Trump further announced a bilateral agreement to bolster energy and technology exchanges between the two nations.
This summit not only signifies a reduction in Russian influence in the region, where Moscow has traditionally held significant negotiating power, but it also showcases the United States' growing clout in facilitating peace in the Caucasus. The agreement comes ahead of Trump's scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, indicating a shift in the dynamic of regional politics. However, some Armenians remain apprehensive about the enduring potential for conflict despite the assurances of peace.
