Baku: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev announced on Tuesday that a new agreement with Armenia, brokered by former US President Donald Trump in Washington, marks the end of a decades-long conflict between the two countries.
According to Anadolu Agency, Aliyev stated that the conflict concludes with Armenia's constitutional amendment to drop territorial claims against Azerbaijan, paving the way for a formal peace treaty.
The landmark agreement was signed in Washington on August 8, witnessed by Trump. The conflict traces back to 1991 when Armenian forces took control of Karabakh and surrounding regions recognized internationally as part of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan reclaimed most of these territories after a 44-day conflict in 2020 and fully regained sovereignty over Karabakh following an anti-terrorist operation last September.
Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan initiated the peace process post the 2020 war and warned that any Armenian attempt to backtrack on the Washington agreement would face global opposition, as it had garnered support from the US, EU, Trkiye, and Arab states.
Aliyev criticized the Minsk Group, previously set up to mediate the Karabakh conflict, calling its existence "absurd" now that the conflict is over. He noted that both Azerbaijan and Armenia had informed the OSCE about the group's disbandment. The president also highlighted ongoing reconstruction efforts in the region, citing mine threats and infrastructure damage as key challenges. Over 50,000 displaced Azerbaijanis have returned home under the 'Great Return' program.
Aliyev introduced the Zangezur corridor, now dubbed 'Trump's International Peace and Prosperity Route,' as a strategic link between Azerbaijan and its exclave of Nakhchivan. He expressed confidence in the project's rapid realization, with potential involvement from American investors. The corridor restores a direct overland route lost when the Soviets transferred the Zangezur region to Armenia in the 1920s.
Acknowledging Trump's role, Aliyev confirmed both Azerbaijani and Armenian leadership have nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize, praising him as a peace-seeking leader distinct from traditional Western figures. On regional matters, Aliyev emphasized constructive relations with Iran and dismissed rumors about altering the Armenian-Iranian border. He expressed regret over Russia's accidental downing of an Azerbaijani plane, which strained bilateral trust.
Aliyev acknowledged Azerbaijan's mediation in Syrian-Israeli dialogues and its gas supply to Syria with backing from Trkiye and Qatar, affirming support for Syria's territorial integrity. He also offered to mediate between Trkiye and Israel, stressing the detrimental impact of potential confrontations on regional stability.
Highlighting growing ties with Gulf countries, Aliyev noted significant investments in Azerbaijan's energy sector from the UAE and Saudi Arabia. He praised the country's religious harmony, where Sunnis and Shiites worship together, and identified sectarianism as a major threat to the Muslim world.
Aliyev reaffirmed Azerbaijan's commitment to the Organization of Turkic States, advocating unity and partnership within the Turkic world. He emphasized the bloc's potential to become a significant global player, aiming to build a strong union perceived as an opportunity rather than a threat.