Armenia and Azerbaijan have signed a preliminary peace agreement at the White House this week, marking a pivotal moment in formally ending more than three decades of conflict.
The landmark deal was achieved following mediation efforts led by U.S. President Donald Trump, who hosted the leaders of both nations in Washington for the historic signing.
A Framework for Lasting Peace
The core of the agreement establishes a foundation for normalized relations between the two South Caucasus neighbors. Both parties have formally pledged to recognize and respect each other’s territorial integrity.
Furthermore, Armenia and Azerbaijan have committed to refraining from the use of force in resolving disputes. The accord explicitly binds them to uphold the established principles of international law.
This breakthrough follows Azerbaijan’s restoration of its full territorial integrity in 2020 and aims to bring a definitive close to a long and contentious chapter in the region’s history.
Overcoming a Post-Soviet Legacy
The agreement is being hailed as an opportunity to move beyond what Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Elin Süleymanov, described as the “tiring negative atmosphere of the post-Soviet era.”
The signing ceremony in Washington saw Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan come together to initial the document, signaling a mutual intent to build a stable future.
Support for a peaceful resolution in the region has been a consistent element of U.S. foreign policy, with both Democratic and Republican administrations actively engaging in diplomatic efforts over the years.
This week’s agreement represents the culmination of sustained international mediation.
