Building peace through connectivity: A strategic outlook on Azerbaijan–Armenia normalization process

Azerbaijan has consistently supported peace and stability in the South Caucasus and maintained constructive relations with its neighbors, including Russia, Iran, Georgia, and the Central Asian states. Following the 2020 war, Azerbaijan sees a historic opportunity to fundamentally transform the region—replacing the legacy of conflict with regional cooperation, economic development, and open connectivity. Azerbaijan’s long-term vision is to help turn the South Caucasus from a battlefield into a pool of opportunities: a region defined by partnerships, investments, and interlinked infrastructure, writes Parvana Valiyeva, member of the Parliament of Azerbaijan, member of the Foreign and Inter-Parliamentary Relations Committee (pictured, below).

The path has not been simple, yet both sides have increasingly engaged in meaningful dialogue. Earlier discussions held in Abu Dhabi enabled the parties to agree on several fundamental principles of a future peace treaty. A major turning point came with the renewed involvement of the United States.

The Washington accords between Azerbaijan and Armenia, hosted at the White House witnessed by the President Donald Trump, mark a landmark moment expected to bring peace, stability, and prosperity to the region after more than three decades. This breakthrough has opened a new era in the South Caucasus and is set to strengthen regional economic opportunities, including enhancing the efficiency of the Middle Corridor.

The initialing of the text of the peace treaty confirmed that both sides had agreed upon its provisions. Although initialing is not the same as signing, it represents a decisive step toward achieving lasting peace.

However, peace does not simply mean signing a document—it also requires a public consensus. Peace must exist not only in official agreements but also in people’s thinking, behavior, and in relations between societies. Public support, open communication, and trust-building are essential. The wounds of conflict can heal, but this requires time, mutual understanding, and the creation of a supportive social and cultural environment.

In this regard, several confidence-building steps have been taken. In September 2025, the Armenian Prime Minister’s aircraft used Azerbaijan’s airspace en route to China. Members of the border delimitation commissions also visited each other’s territories. Armenia’s Deputy Prime Minister traveled to Gabala, one of the regions of Azerbaijan to discuss the delimitation and demarcation process.

As part of normalization efforts, the two countries launched unprecedented civil-society exchanges. For the first time, a plane from Yerevan landed in Baku to bring representatives of Armenian civil society for peace dialogues, and a reciprocal delegation traveled from Baku to Yerevan as part of the Peace Bridge initiative. This process fosters dialogue between civil societies on the prospects of the peace agenda.

These developments highlight a significant reality: the initialed peace agreement is beginning to manifest itself not only on paper but in practice. During major international events, Armenia’s Minister of Security visited Azerbaijan, and an Azerbaijani think-tank representative delivered a speech at an event in Armenia. Likewise, the Speaker of the Milli Majlis met her Armenian counterpart during her visit to Switzerland in October. These steps reinforce that normalization is taking root.

In October 2025, Azerbaijan opened transit for Armenia on commercial goods. This allowed cargo—such as Kazakh and Russian wheat—to transit through Azerbaijan to Armenia via Georgia. Armenia, in turn, opened transit for Turkish goods. These measures implement commitments from the U.S.-brokered peace process and contribute to regional economic integration.

Azerbaijan has emphasized the need for certain expectations before signing the final peace agreement. Taking further steps to achieve the signing and ratification of the agreement closing completion once the remaining term - amendments to the Armenian Constitution to remove territorial claims against Azerbaijan - is done.

Meanwhile, the sides have even begun examining opportunities for mutual trade, including the potential export of Azerbaijani oil products to Armenia. The proposed Zangezur Corridor remains a strategic element of regional transformation. Once operational, it will create new logistical opportunities along the East–West routes—a win-win link for both Europe and Asia. As transit countries, Azerbaijan and Armenia stand to benefit significantly.

Azerbaijan calls on the international community—including governments, media, academia, and civil society—to support the peace agenda rather than revive outdated narratives that keep the region trapped in the past. While healing from decades of conflict will take time, a future based on economic benefits, open borders, and shared prosperity is within reach.

One chapter of conflict in the world is finally drawing to a close, and a new chapter of cooperation in the South Caucasus is beginning. With continued bilateral commitment and responsible international support, the region can move forward united in peace, development, and progress.

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