Historic Peace Deal Signed Between Azerbaijan and Armenia at White House Summit

In a significant advancement towards lasting peace, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed an agreement at a White House meeting hosted by President Trump, aimed at resolving decades of strife over Nagorno-Karabakh and rekindling diplomatic ties between the two nations.

During a momentous meeting, President Trump welcomed leaders from Azerbaijan and Armenia to the White House, where they formally signed an agreement intended to put an end to years of hostility. “Today marks a long-awaited step towards peace,” Trump declared, emphasizing the importance of the agreement, which facilitates the reopening of critical transportation links between the two countries and enhances U.S. influence in the region.

The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a historically Armenian area situated within Azerbaijan's borders, has led to numerous hostilities since the late 20th century. As part of this new accord, both leaders pledged an end to fighting, as Aliyev stated, “We have suffered long enough from wars and bloodshed.”

Pashinyan acknowledged the signing as a "significant milestone," expressing hope for a future built on friendship rather than conflict. Recognition of the agreement's historical context was shared by Trump, who remarked, “Having battled for over three decades, these two countries are now on a path to solidarity.”

The agreement also includes plans for the construction of a transit corridor, dubbed the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, which will connect Azerbaijan and its exclave Nakhchivan. Previous negotiations had stalled over disputes regarding control of this route, sparking tensions in the past.

Both leaders expressed gratitude towards President Trump for his role, with Aliyev proclaiming, “In just six months, President Trump has achieved the miraculous.” Additionally, Trump finalized a bilateral agreement focused on enhancing energy and technology exchanges between the nations.

This historic summit not only signals a shift in diplomatic power dynamics in the Caucasus, traditionally dominated by Russia, but it also showcases the U.S.'s growing influence as a mediator. Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin was a key figure in the peace negotiations; however, the new American-led agreement suggests a potential realignment of power in the region, especially ahead of an upcoming meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska.

Amid these developments, significant concerns remain, particularly among Armenians, who remain wary about the prospect of renewed conflict despite the hopeful rhetoric of peace.