Abu dhabi: The awarding ceremony of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity was held in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the event, marking a significant occasion that underscores the importance of peace and cooperation on a global scale.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the ceremony commenced with the playing of the national anthem of the United Arab Emirates, followed by a video presentation dedicated to the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity. Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, delivered an address, setting the tone for the event. The ceremony also featured congratulatory video messages from several world leaders, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Trkiye, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, and King Abdullah II of Jordan, among others.

In his speech, President Erdogan emphasized the significance of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity and congratulated President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia for their courage and commitment to peace. He highlighted the importance of the award in contributing to global peace and stability.

President Tokayev praised the leadership of Azerbaijan and Armenia in choosing peace and noted the historic importance of their progress toward a peace agreement. He underscored that such efforts are crucial in an era of division and conflict.

President Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and Prime Minister Sharif of Pakistan extended their congratulations to the awardees, acknowledging the efforts of Azerbaijan and Armenia in resolving their protracted conflict. They highlighted the role of the award in promoting peace and cooperation in the region.

President Zhaparov of Kyrgyzstan expressed his satisfaction with the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, viewing it as a historic achievement that strengthens mutual trust and security in the South Caucasus. He reiterated the importance of diplomatic efforts in resolving conflicts.

President Aoun of Lebanon commended the Palestinian Welfare Organization for its humanitarian efforts and congratulated the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia on the peace agreement. He emphasized the award's role in recognizing the courage needed to turn conflict into opportunity.

The ceremony also featured speeches from other notable figures, including Afghan women's rights activist Zarqa Yaftali and Nabil Qaddumi, representing the Palestinian organization Taawon. President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan presented the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity to President Ilham Aliyev and the other laureates.

The event concluded with a group photo and congratulatory letters from Pope Leo XIV and Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, underscoring the global recognition and significance of the award in fostering human fraternity and peace across the world.