Ilham Aliyev sent an address to the participants of the "Guernica Peace and Reconciliation Award" ceremony

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev addressed the participants of the "Guernica Peace and Reconciliation Award" ceremony.

As reported by BAKU.WS, the message states:

"Dear friends,

I express my deep gratitude to the city councils of Gernika-Lumo and Pforzheim, the Gernika Peace Museum, the Casa de Cultura cultural center, and the Gernika Gogoratuz Peace Research Center for awarding me the "Guernica Peace and Reconciliation Award" in recognition of my efforts to achieve peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to promote dialogue.

It is a great honor for me to receive this prestigious award, the purpose of which is to perpetuate the historical memory of the tragedy in Guernica and to recognize the contributions of people who contribute to peace and reconciliation processes. The presentation of this award on April 26 — the Day of Remembrance for the victims of Guernica — carries special symbolic significance. This monstrous crime committed against the civilian population in Guernica eighty-nine years ago remains one of the most horrific and bloodiest pages of the last century. I believe that any crime against the civilian population constitutes a violation of the principles of humanity and humaneness. I share the pain and grief of Guernica and solemnly pay tribute to the memory of its victims.

The message of peace and reconciliation emanating from the history of Guernica holds profound significance for all peoples. The memories and experiences of peoples who have endured the grave consequences of war must serve as an important lesson for new generations, enabling them to live in a more stable and secure world.

The people of Azerbaijan, having experienced the severe consequences of war and having lived in conditions of conflict for nearly thirty years, understand all too well the value of peace and reconciliation. Today, Azerbaijan is learning to live in an atmosphere of peace. For us, this is a new and unusual feeling, as we have not had the opportunity to experience it since gaining independence.

At the Summit in Washington in August 2025, a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia was initialed, and a Joint Declaration was signed, putting an end to the three-decade-long conflict and laying the foundation for peace, reconciliation, and partnership between our peoples.

Currently, Azerbaijan is adapting to this new reality and to living in a peaceful environment. This favorable atmosphere and growing confidence in stability and security allow us to move forward and devote more time and resources to our development agenda. At the same time, we are taking measures to strengthen peace and put it into practice, and both of our societies are already experiencing the real benefits of peace in the economic, trade, and other areas. Today, Azerbaijan ensures the export of its own petroleum products, as well as wheat and other goods from third countries to Armenia through its territory.

Confidence-building measures between the two countries are crucial for establishing lasting peace. Regular meetings of civil society representatives, along with initiatives at the state level, make a positive contribution to this process.

The example of Azerbaijan and Armenia demonstrates that, despite a protracted conflict, suffering, and mutual distrust, peace can be achieved with strong political will and international support.

Dear friends,

The "Guernica Peace and Reconciliation Award" is not merely recognition of past achievements, but also an inspiring stimulus and a responsibility for future steps that must be taken in the name of the common prosperity of the international community and the cause of peace.

I once again express my gratitude for this award and wish everyone success in their efforts to promote peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding."