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Azerbaijan and Armenia take historic step toward peace with Trump-brokered agreement
The leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia have taken a decisive step toward ending decades of conflict, with the signing of a historic Joint Declaration during a meeting at the White House on Friday. Facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump, the agreement signals that the long-anticipated Azerbaijan-Armenia Peace Agreement is nearing completion. Central to the declaration is the creation of a new regional corridor, the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP), aimed at fostering connectivity and economic growth in the South Caucasus.
A major breakthrough in peace talks
The initialing of the peace treaty represents a critical milestone in resolving one of the region’s most entrenched disputes. While not yet a finalized agreement, it reflects significant progress, with both nations committing to address the political and economic issues that have perpetuated tensions.
The Trump administration’s involvement marks a departure from previous international mediation efforts, which often focused exclusively on halting violence. This time, the approach integrates peacebuilding with regional development, emphasizing economic infrastructure as a foundation for long-term stability.
Dissolution of the Minsk Group and constitutional changes in Armenia
A key element of the Joint Declaration is the decision by Azerbaijan and Armenia to jointly request the dissolution of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group. Established in the 1990s, the group has been widely criticized for failing to resolve the conflict. The declaration also identifies constitutional amendments in Armenia as a prerequisite for signing the final peace treaty, underscoring the commitment to implement necessary reforms.
Strengthened Azerbaijan–U.S. relations
The agreement highlights the growing strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and the United States, elevated further by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s recent visit to Washington. Hosted at the invitation of President Trump, the visit marked a turning point in bilateral relations, fostering cooperation in energy, trade, defense, and technological development.
During the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding established a Strategic Working Group to advance the “Charter on Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the United States of America.” In addition, the Trump administration suspended Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, a 1992 provision that had restricted direct U.S. aid to Azerbaijan.
A new era for the South Caucasus
The Joint Declaration and the TRIPP corridor are expected to transform the geopolitical and economic landscape of the South Caucasus. By addressing long-standing grievances and promoting regional connectivity, the agreement has the potential to create a sustainable framework for peace and prosperity.
President Aliyev’s leadership and diplomatic efforts have further solidified Azerbaijan’s international standing, while also advancing the country’s development goals. The agreement, supported by the Trump administration, underscores the importance of cooperation and dialogue in resolving complex regional conflicts.
