“A formal peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia will be signed; everything depends on amendments to Armenia’s Constitution to remove the territorial claim against Azerbaijan that has existed there for thirty years,” President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said during the panel discussion titled “Open corridor policy? Deepening Trans-Caspian cooperation” held in Munich as part of the Munich Security Conference, APA reports.
The head of state noted that once this step is taken, the peace agreement will be formally signed immediately:
“During this period, the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity will play an important role in creating new connectivity lines. As I mentioned, the transport route stretching from China through Central Asia, the Trans-Caspian region, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Azerbaijan’s exclave Nakhchivan, Türkiye, and from there to Europe will create an entirely new situation. This will benefit all countries. All states located along the route will become more closely integrated politically and economically. This, in turn, will further contribute to long-term and sustainable peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Because peace is only possible when there is a real and consistent peace process. Signing the document is essential. That is fundamental. However, the steps taken afterward are no less important.
Less than two years passed between the last bloody clash between Azerbaijan and Armenia and the Washington Summit. I think this is a rare example, especially for conflicts that lasted thirty years. Both sides demonstrated strong political will to end this confrontation and open a new page of peace. We have been living in peace for only six months. Believe me, this is a very special and very pleasant feeling. This feeling is shared by the entire population of Azerbaijan and, I am sure, also by Armenian society.
Connectivity projects and transport corridors will bring us closer together, increase mutual interdependence, and create an entirely new situation in the South Caucasus. Ultimately, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia will begin cooperation on a trilateral basis.”