Despite Uncertain Timeline, Hope for Ending Four-Decade Conflict: Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Talks in UAE
Abu Dhabi | July 10, 2025
Armenia and Azerbaijan appear to be moving toward peace after decades of hostility. In a face-to-face meeting held in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev sat down for direct talks. Both governments have confirmed the meeting.
Draft Peace Agreement, Implementation Still Unclear
In March of this year, the two countries finalized a draft peace agreement. However, no specific timeline has been set for its implementation. Still, the talks are being viewed as a potential milestone for long-term stability in the South Caucasus region.
Background: The Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
At the heart of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict lies the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Although the territory is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, it was historically home to a majority ethnic Armenian population.
The conflict began in the late 1980s, leading to several wars over the region. In September 2023, Azerbaijan launched a sudden military offensive and took full control of the territory. As a result, nearly 100,000 ethnic Armenians were forced to flee to Armenia.
Major Obstacles on the Path to Peace
Several sensitive issues remain unresolved:
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Azerbaijan's Allegation: Baku accuses Armenia of making an “implicit claim” over Azerbaijani territory in its constitution.
→ Although Armenia has officially denied the accusation, Prime Minister Pashinyan has recently acknowledged the need to update the Armenian constitution. -
Nakhchivan Corridor: Azerbaijan seeks a land corridor through Armenia to connect its Nakhchivan exclave with the rest of the country.
→ This proposed route borders Turkey and holds broader geopolitical significance for the region.
Recent Diplomatic Developments
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May 2025: Pashinyan and Aliyev last met in person in Tirana, Albania, during a European Political Community summit.
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June 2025: Pashinyan made a rare visit to Turkey, meeting with President Erdoğan. Armenia described the visit as “a historic step toward regional peace.”
International Reactions
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism about the talks, stating:
“A final peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan could be reached very soon.”
A Bloody History
During the first major conflict between the two nations (1988–1994), hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijani Muslims were expelled from Armenia, while thousands of Christian Armenians were displaced from Azerbaijan. This deep-rooted humanitarian crisis has long reflected the intensity and complexity of the conflict.
