Why did Ilham Aliyev advise Nikol Pashinyan to take the pen? - The story of the subtle gesture of the President of Azerbaijan

On August 8, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, US President Donald Trump, and Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan signed a Joint Declaration after a meeting held in Washington.

One of the notable moments of the signing ceremony was Ilham Aliyev's recommendation to take the pen with which the Prime Minister of Armenia signed the historic document. Although this gesture seemed pleasant, its significance was not fully understood by the public.

As Oxu.Az reports, President Ilham Aliyev's gesture has symbolic meaning and carries a subtle message according to diplomatic protocol. To understand this message, let's recall a historical moment.

In 1978, during the signing of the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, then-President of Egypt Anwar Sadat, Prime Minister of Israel Menachem Begin, and US President Jimmy Carter used special pens to sign the document in accordance with common diplomatic practice, and these pens were preserved as commemorative souvenirs. These agreements created the foundation for signing a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt in 1979. During the ceremony, the pens used by all three leaders were specially selected for this event and subsequently preserved as commemorative items.

These pens, which have historical significance, are displayed in various collections and museums. The US Presidential Library and National Archives keep photographs from the Camp David Accords signing ceremony in their collection.

The pen has a symbolic role in peace negotiations or diplomatic correspondence. It emphasizes the superiority of the pen, that is, the word, the document, instead of weapons for resolving conflict.

Thus, Ilham Aliyev, reminding Pashinyan that signing the document is both a historic and serious commitment, calls for strengthening the foundations of future joint peace and cooperation. This gesture expresses respect and diplomatic equality. It is also considered a subtle, diplomatic step, symbolizing the seriousness of the peace process and the responsibility that falls on the parties in the future.

These pens are not only used to sign the document but are also preserved as a symbol of this historic moment and peace process.