Trump to Host Armenia and Azerbaijan Leaders for Peace Talks
President Donald Trump is set to welcome the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan this Friday, aiming to foster peace between the two nations that have a history of conflict dating back to the late 1980s.
In a recent social media post, Trump expressed his excitement about the “Historic Peace Summit” he will host at the White House, stating, “President Aliyev AND Prime Minister Pashinyan will join me for an official Peace Signing Ceremony.” He also mentioned that the U.S. would enter into bilateral agreements with both countries to explore economic opportunities within the South Caucasus region.
Experts have indicated that while the summit is significant, a formal peace agreement is unlikely. Instead, it’s expected that a letter of intent will be signed, marking a major step forward in ongoing negotiations.
Matias Perttula, director of Save Armenia, shared insights from recent meetings in Armenia. He pointed out that the Trump administration has been notably more engaged in these discussions compared to the previous administration.
The long-standing conflict primarily revolves around the Nagorno-Karabakh region—a territory claimed by both countries but predominantly populated by ethnic Armenians. Despite not being officially recognized as independent, this region has been supported by Armenia both financially and militarily.
In September 2023, Azerbaijani forces took control of the territory, leading to a significant evacuation of ethnic Armenians and raising concerns about future stability.
Meanwhile, both nations had previously agreed on the need to finalize a peace deal in March, although obstacles remain, particularly regarding Azerbaijan’s demands for constitutional amendments by Armenia concerning Nagorno-Karabakh.
Perttula highlighted the importance of addressing the rights of the 120,000 displaced Armenian Christians in the peace discussions, stressing that finding a resolution is crucial for both nations.
In the midst of these developments, Trump also received a surprise nomination for a Nobel Peace Prize from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and leaders from other countries, showcasing his efforts in international peace initiatives.
While hopes for a complete peace agreement remain, the upcoming summit signifies progress in a deeply rooted conflict, with many watching closely to see how it unfolds.
