International observers are expressing cautious optimism following the signing of a peace accord between Armenia and Azerbaijan, brokered during a meeting at the White House involving US President Donald Trump.
The agreement aims to de-escalate decades of conflict and potentially unlock economic development in the region, including provisions for long-term and exclusive rights for the United States. However, ratification by both national governments is still required.
“Many have tried to find a solution” President Trump stated Friday, alongside Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. “With this agreement, we have finally managed to achieve peace.
A key component of the agreement is a new transit corridor in the South Caucasus, officially named the “Tripp” corridor – translated as “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity”. President Trump indicated he did not request the naming of the corridor in his honor.
The development has drawn praise from international partners. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul welcomed the accord, stating, “Armenia and Azerbaijan are today opening a new chapter in their history”. He described the signing as “hope for many people in Armenia and Azerbaijan, who look back on a long history of conflict, displacement and suffering.
A significant aspect of the agreement is the mutual consent of both parties to dissolve the OSCE Minsk Group, established in the 1990s to mediate the conflict. “Germany has been closely accompanying this path with our partners for some time, through regular exchange at the highest level and through peace negotiations in Berlin last year” Wadephul stated. He confirmed Germany’s ongoing commitment, referencing years of support for confidence-building measures, €27.5 million in humanitarian aid and the deployment of civilian personnel to the South Caucasus, including to the EU mission in Armenia.
The immediate priority is ratification of the peace treaty by both governments. “Germany remains ready to support Armenia and Azerbaijan on the path to lasting peace” Wadephul affirmed.
The agreement represents the latest in a series of diplomatic successes facilitated by the White House. It follows closely on the heels of a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, secured after President Trump threatened to suspend trade negotiations if hostilities continued.
The US President is also focused on securing an end to the war in Ukraine, with a meeting scheduled for Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss the matter further.
