A peace agreement brokered by the United States was signed by Azerbaijan and Armenia on Friday in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump. This deal aims to enhance economic relations between the two countries, marking a significant step towards normalizing their ties after years of conflict.
The agreement, if upheld, represents a notable achievement for the Trump administration and is likely to unsettle Moscow, which considers the region to be within its sphere of influence. At the signing ceremony at the White House, Trump expressed optimism, stating that after 35 years of conflict, Azerbaijan and Armenia are now committed to friendship for the long term.
The longstanding dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan dates back to the late 1980s when Nagorno-Karabakh, a predominantly Armenian-populated region within Azerbaijan, declared independence with Armenia’s support. In 2023, Azerbaijan regained full control of the region, leading to a mass exodus of ethnic Armenians to Armenia.
Under the terms of the agreement, both countries have pledged to cease hostilities, establish diplomatic relations, and uphold each other’s territorial integrity. Additionally, the deal grants exclusive U.S. development rights to a strategic transit corridor in the region, facilitating increased exports of energy and other resources.
Trump announced that separate agreements were signed with Azerbaijan and Armenia to enhance cooperation in energy, trade, and technology fields, including artificial intelligence, although specific details were not disclosed. Moreover, restrictions on defense cooperation between Azerbaijan and the U.S. have been lifted.
Both Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan commended Trump for his role in resolving the conflict and expressed their intention to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize. The peace agreement, facilitated through extensive diplomatic efforts, lays the groundwork for a comprehensive normalization of relations between the two nations.
The accord has the potential to transform the South Caucasus region, known for its energy resources and geopolitical significance. Experts believe that the agreement will also aid Western efforts to counter Russian sanctions evasion activities in the region.
Despite the symbolic importance of the signing, questions remain about the specifics of the transit corridor, including the involvement of U.S. companies and the construction process. The exclusion of Russia from the agreement and the U.S.’s prominent role in the corridor are likely to perturb Moscow, signaling a shift in regional dynamics.
While the agreement brings a sense of predictability to the region, its long-term success hinges on sustained U.S. engagement. Without continued involvement, there is a risk of the situation reverting to previous tensions and conflicts, underscoring the importance of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Overall, the peace deal not only marks a historic resolution to a protracted conflict but also serves as a milestone in thawing frozen conflicts in Russia’s periphery since the end of the Cold War. The agreement sends a strong message to the entire region, signaling a new chapter of cooperation and stability in the South Caucasus.