In a significant development for the South Caucasus peace process, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed landmark agreements in Washington on August 8, 2025.
The trilateral ceremony, held at the White House, was attended by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and U.S. President Donald Trump.
This gathering marked a crucial moment in U.S.-Azerbaijan relations, characterized by talks aimed at ending decades of conflict between the two nations.
During the ceremony, President Trump emphasized the newfound friendship between Armenia and Azerbaijan, referring to the summit as a “big beautiful honor.”
He declared that the 35 years of hostility were coming to an end, framing this agreement as a historic turning point in the region’s relations.
The discussions culminated in mutual commitments from both countries to end all hostilities permanently, promote economic cooperation, and respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a move expected to enhance bilateral security cooperation, President Trump announced the lifting of restrictions on defense collaboration with Azerbaijan, which signals a new phase in U.S.-Azerbaijan relations alongside the peace agreement with Armenia.
As part of the efforts to improve connectivity and strengthen ties, President Trump introduced the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity,” a proposed transit corridor that links Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through Armenia.
The corridor aims to enhance dialogue and economic cooperation in the region.
Additionally, a U.S. company was granted rights to operate the section of the corridor in Armenia for 99 years, which is seen as a pivotal step in fostering long-term stability and economic opportunities for both nations.
At the summit, President Aliyev expressed his gratitude to President Trump for hosting this historic event, branding it the start of a strategic partnership between the U.S. and Azerbaijan.
He underscored the potential for unprecedented opportunities in trade, energy, and defense, made possible by the newly established peace with Armenia.
Prime Minister Pashinyan echoed these sentiments, describing the agreement as a crucial breakthrough in relations.
He credited President Trump’s personal involvement as instrumental in reaching this accord, which he believes will enhance connectivity, boost economic prospects, and ensure ongoing stability in the South Caucasus.
Following the summit, both leaders issued a joint declaration outlining their commitments and next steps toward solidifying peace and cooperation.
This declaration included the initialing of an Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Inter-State Relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which is to be finalized and ratified by both parties.
They also called for the closure of the OSCE’s Minsk Process and requested that all participating States in the OSCE endorse this decision.
The leaders reaffirmed the necessity of opening communication routes between the two countries, contributing to regional stability while respecting each state’s sovereignty and jurisdiction.
The declaration specifically highlights the importance of unimpeded connectivity between Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through Armenia, emphasizing its reciprocal benefits for both nations and promoting regional prosperity.
Furthermore, the Republic of Armenia committed to collaborating with the U.S. and other mutually agreed third parties to develop the framework for the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” within its territory.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to overcoming the legacy of conflict, aligned with the principles of the United Nations Charter and the 1991 Almaty Declaration.
They highlighted that the current conditions are conducive to building good neighborly relations based on respect for international borders and the illegitimacy of using force to acquire territory.
Furthermore, they expressed their intention to reject any impulses towards revenge or hostility in the future, in a bid to close the chapter of enmity and foster a collaborative future.
The leaders expressed confidence that the summit serves as a strong foundation for mutual respect and the ongoing advancement of peace in the region.
Concluding the declaration, both President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan extended their sincere gratitude to President Trump for his hospitality in hosting this momentous summit and recognizing his significant contributions to normalizing the relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
The agreements reached are expected to foster a new era of cooperation and stability in the South Caucasus, making strides toward a peaceful future for both countries and the broader region.
image source from：anewz
