Armenia, Azerbaijan Sign Historic Peace Deal at White House in Trump’s Presence
In a significant breakthrough, Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a historic peace deal at the White House in the presence of US President Donald Trump on August 8, 2025. The agreement brings an end to almost four decades of conflict between the two nations over control of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed region in the South Caucasus.
The signing ceremony was attended by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who shook hands and exchanged smiles as they signed the agreement. Trump, who had been instrumental in facilitating the negotiations, praised the two leaders for their efforts, saying, “It’s a long time, 35 years, they fought, and now they’re friends.”
The peace deal, which was the culmination of months of intense diplomatic efforts, marks a major milestone in the history of the region. The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh had been one of the most intractable in the world, with both sides claiming sovereignty over the region.
Background of the Conflict
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh has its roots in the early 20th century, when the region was part of the Russian Empire. After the Russian Revolution in 1917, the region became part of the newly established Soviet Union. However, the Soviet Union’s dissolution in 1991 led to a power vacuum, and both Armenia and Azerbaijan claimed sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh.
In 1991, Armenian forces, backed by the Armenian government, launched a military campaign to capture the region from Azerbaijani forces. The conflict escalated, and by 1994, Armenian forces had occupied a significant portion of Azerbaijani territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh itself.
Since then, the conflict has remained frozen, with both sides engaging in sporadic skirmishes and negotiations. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has been mediating the conflict since the 1990s, but no lasting solution has been found.
Trump’s Role in the Peace Deal
US President Donald Trump had been actively involved in facilitating the peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan. In his speech at the signing ceremony, Trump praised the two leaders for their dedication to finding a peaceful solution.
“I want to congratulate the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan, who have worked tirelessly to achieve this historic breakthrough,” Trump said. “I am honored to be a part of this momentous occasion, and I am confident that this agreement will bring peace and stability to the region.”
The Trump administration had been working closely with the two sides to find a solution, and the US president had personally spoken to both Pashinyan and Aliyev to encourage them to reach a deal.
Terms of the Agreement
The peace deal signed at the White House includes several key provisions. The agreement establishes a ceasefire and withdrawal of forces from the conflict zone, and creates a demilitarized zone along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The deal also provides for the establishment of a joint monitoring center to oversee the ceasefire and ensure that both sides adhere to the agreement. Additionally, the agreement provides for the exchange of prisoners and the return of the remains of those killed in the conflict.
The agreement also includes provisions for economic cooperation and the opening of borders, which is expected to boost trade and economic development in the region.
Impact of the Peace Deal
The signing of the peace deal has significant implications for the region and the world. The agreement brings an end to the conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands of people.
The deal also opens up new opportunities for economic cooperation and development in the region. The establishment of a demilitarized zone and the exchange of prisoners will also help to reduce tensions and promote a sense of security and stability.
The peace deal is also seen as a major diplomatic victory for the Trump administration, which has been credited with facilitating the negotiations. The deal demonstrates the US’s ability to play a key role in international diplomacy and conflict resolution.
Conclusion
The signing of the peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan at the White House marks a significant milestone in the history of the region. The agreement brings an end to almost four decades of conflict and provides a framework for peace and stability in the region.
The deal is a testament to the power of diplomacy and the ability of leaders to put aside their differences and work towards a common goal. The signing ceremony was a moment of triumph for the two leaders, who were hailed as heroes for their efforts to find a peaceful solution.
As Trump said, “It’s a long time, 35 years, they fought, and now they’re friends.” The peace deal is a reminder that even the most intractable conflicts can be resolved through diplomacy and determination.
Source:
https://www.reuters.com/world/trump-announces-peace-agreement-between-azerbaijan-armenia-2025-08-08/
