Historic Peace Agreement Signed in Washington: Azerbaijan and Armenia End Decades of Hostility

Kokcha News Agency – U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at the White House, where the leaders signed a historic peace agreement aimed at ending decades of hostility between their nations.

In a statement following the signing ceremony, Trump announced, “We have succeeded in securing peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Both countries have agreed to end all hostilities forever.”

Azerbaijani President Aliyev emphasized that the agreement will create new transportation links, offering numerous opportunities for investment, prosperity, and stability across the region. Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan stated that the joint declaration will pave the way for ending decades of conflict and open a new chapter based on mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Both leaders expressed their belief that President Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in brokering the agreement. The deal is crucial for resolving the long-standing conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a region within Azerbaijan’s borders that has been a flashpoint since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Azerbaijan regained full control of the region in 2023 through a military operation.

American Companies to Play a Key Role:
The agreement grants the U.S. the right to work on a transportation corridor called the “Trump International Peace and Prosperity Route.” Trump stated, “We expect American companies to undertake significant infrastructure developments. They are very eager to enter these two countries.” He also noted that the U.S. has signed bilateral agreements with both countries to enhance cooperation in energy, trade, and technology, including artificial intelligence.

The agreements will also lift previous restrictions on security coordination with Azerbaijan. Aliyev expressed gratitude to Trump for removing the 1992 restrictions on Azerbaijan.

The Zangezur Corridor: A Key Issue:
One of the most critical aspects of the agreement is the Zangezur Corridor, a 43-kilometer route through Armenian territory that connects Azerbaijan to its exclave of Nakhchivan and Turkey. The corridor, previously under Russian control through the FSB, is expected to be fully managed by the U.S., effectively sidelining Russia.

The Zangezur Corridor will disrupt Russia’s North-South Corridor, a vital trade route connecting Russia to Iran and India via Azerbaijan. Losing control of this corridor would be a significant blow to the Russian economy, already under Western sanctions.

Impact on Armenia’s Dependence on Russia:
Armenia, despite lacking a direct land border, has been heavily dependent on Russia for trade. The Zangezur Corridor will reduce this dependency, allowing Armenia to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment. It will also strengthen Azerbaijan’s position as a key transportation and logistics hub.

The corridor is expected to boost Turkey’s influence in the region, connecting it to Azerbaijan and forming part of the “Middle Corridor,” a trade route stretching from Europe to China via Turkey and Central Asia.

International Reactions:
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the agreement, expressing satisfaction with the progress toward lasting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Iran also welcomed the deal but warned against foreign interference along its borders with the two countries.

The European Union (EU) warmly welcomed the signing of the peace agreement and the establishment of interstate relations. The UK praised the “bold steps” taken in the U.S.-brokered agreement.