Davos: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos that Azerbaijan and Armenia have made a historic joint decision to end their long-standing conflict. This pivotal agreement marks a new chapter of peace and cooperation between the two nations.
According to Anadolu Agency, Aliyev shared this significant development during a panel session attended by Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan. He emphasized the collaboration between the leadership of both countries in deciding to close the chapter of war and explore opportunities for peace. Aliyev also criticized international institutions for their ineffectiveness in resolving the three-decade conflict, noting that resolutions by the UN Security Council and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe had failed to bring about change.
Aliyev highlighted that Azerbaijan took matters into its own hands to restore justice, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, ultimately achieving peace. He stressed the importance of self-reliance over dependence on international institutions. Regarding economic cooperation, Aliyev revealed that Azerbaijan has commenced exports and lifted restrictions on the transportation of goods to Armenia, showcasing a willingness to foster economic ties.
He further mentioned that Azerbaijan had unilaterally opened transit corridors for Armenia, with future plans to enhance direct transportation routes. Aliyev noted the parallel normalization tracks between Azerbaijan-Armenia and Trkiye-Armenia, predicting that they will culminate in the establishment of diplomatic relations simultaneously.
These developments, Aliyev asserted, are transforming the region into an example of how prolonged conflicts can evolve into partnerships and cooperation. The joint declaration signed by Azerbaijan and Armenia in August last year at a trilateral summit with US President Donald Trump laid the groundwork for this new era, committing both nations to cease hostilities, reopen transport routes, and normalize relations.