A landmark agreement aimed at resolving the long-standing conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia was signed on Friday at the White House, with President Donald Trump facilitating the peace talks between the two nations. The leaders of Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev, and Armenia, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, came together for a handshake following Trump's declaration of the event as "historic."

"It's been a long time coming," Trump remarked, underscoring the significance of the accord that promises to enhance travel, trade, and diplomatic relations and spells an end to a tumultuous past marred by violence over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Both countries have been embroiled in conflict since the late 20th century, amid intermittent flare-ups.

"Today we are establishing peace in the Caucasus," proclaimed Aliyev, reflecting on the heavy toll the conflict had taken over three decades. Pashinyan described the signing as a “significant milestone,” expressing optimism for a future defined by cooperation rather than hostility. Trump emphasized the transformation from adversaries to allies, stating, "Thirty-five years they fought, and now they're friends."

As part of the agreement, the US will also sponsor the construction of a new transit corridor named the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, facilitating travel to Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan exclave by connecting it through Armenian territory. This transport corridor has been a contentious topic in previous negotiations, but now, a resolution appears to have been reached.

Throughout the summit, both leaders expressed appreciation for Trump's mediation efforts, with Aliyev praising the US President as having executed a "miracle" in just six months. The agreement also includes a bilateral commitment to bolster energy and technology exchanges, further solidifying the ties between the United States, Azerbaijan, and Armenia.

This resounding peace initiative marks a pivotal shift in US engagement in the region, previously dominated by Russian mediation. Historically, Moscow had played a crucial role in brokering peace in the Caucasus but now finds itself sidelined as both nations pivot towards an American-led solution. The announcement arrives just ahead of Trump's upcoming meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, hinting at a broader recalibration of international alliances.