Azerbaijan and Armenia: Historical Path from Conflict to Peace

Azerbaijan and Armenia have publicly announced the achievement of peace. This process was initiated by the Washington agreements between the two countries with the participation of US President Donald Trump. The subsequent lifting of restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia, diplomatic steps, and civil society dialogue have become the foundation for the emerging sustainable peace in the South Caucasus.

On August 8 in Washington, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, and US President Donald Trump signed a historic Declaration on Peace and Cooperation, which not only marked the beginning of a new stage in the history of the South Caucasus but also consolidated the parties' commitment to establishing sustainable peace, developing transport routes, and strengthening good-neighborly relations.

For three long decades, it was difficult to imagine such a development of events. Now the process, which seemed utopian to many, is rapidly taking on real shape. And while in August there was only talk about intentions, by autumn peace began to manifest itself in concrete steps toward each other, writes the newspaper "Caspian".

A new stage has begun

Azerbaijan has lifted all restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia that had existed since the occupation. This was announced by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in a press statement during his visit to Kazakhstan.

"I think this is also a good indication that peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia is no longer just on paper, but in practice," said the head of the Azerbaijani state. It is quite symbolic that the first such cargo through Azerbaijan's territory was Kazakhstani grain, which was positively received by the Armenian community.

"A new stage has begun - the stage of peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. And less than two years after the last military clashes, reaching the initialing of a peace agreement indicates that both countries have demonstrated a sufficiently high level of political will," said the head of our state. Ilham Aliyev also emphasized the invaluable role of US President Donald Trump in normalizing relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, stating that it deserves the highest appreciation.

As for the Zangezur corridor, referred to as the "Trump corridor," its opening is planned for the end of 2028. This transport route will connect Azerbaijan and Armenia, becoming a new branch of the Middle Corridor passing through the Caspian Sea, Kazakhstan, and further into Asia. The fact that President Trump gave his name to this project speaks to its special significance. Additionally, the new route through Zangezur, with a freight turnover of up to 15 million tons, will meet the most modern standards.

Thus, the Washington Declaration, gradually materializing into concrete infrastructure and economic steps, strengthens regional stability.

Peace has been established

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called Azerbaijan's decision to open cargo transit through its territory a historic decision, which means the gradual lifting of the blockade of Armenia. According to Armenian media, Pashinyan stated this at a government meeting on October 23, emphasizing that this fact proves that the Washington Declaration has brought concrete results. "Soon, there will be fundamental changes in the structure of our economy. For two days now, it has been discussed that Azerbaijan has announced the lifting of restrictions on the transit of goods to Armenia. This is a very important decision that shows that the Washington Declaration and the agreements reached are not just a declaration, as some try to present. In other