Dublin:Baku The South Caucasus is witnessing a significant shift from historical confrontations to cooperation, driven by Azerbaijan's peace agenda led by President Ilham Aliyev. Following Azerbaijan's victory in the 44-day Patriotic War, the nation has focused on fostering lasting peace and transforming the region into a hub of cooperation through diplomatic initiatives and economic projects.
According to Trend News Agency, President Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed advancing the peace agenda during their meeting in Dublin on November 12. The discussions, held as part of the 9th Summit of the European Political Community, focused on transitioning from political agreements to practical cooperation in areas like transportation, trade, and resource management.
Azerbaijan's approach post-war emphasizes international law principles, including mutual recognition of sovereignty and the non-use of force. A peace agreement was initialed in Washington in 2025, marking a step toward resolving long-standing conflicts. The agreement awaits completion of legal procedures to come into effect.
The 'Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity' (TRIPP) project was a key topic at the Dublin meeting, highlighting its potential to reshape regional transportation and economic ties. The Armenian Parliament has already enacted legislative changes to support TRIPP's implementation, with construction set to begin in 2027.
The Dublin meeting also assessed the positive economic impacts of peace, evidenced by the transport of 105,000 metric tons of cargo through Azerbaijan to Armenia. Additionally, working groups have been established to manage transboundary river resources, reflecting a commitment to regional cooperation.
Regional developments also include the normalization of Turkish-Armenian relations. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan discussed reopening the land border, contingent on a comprehensive agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan's regional strategy prioritizes cooperation over external dependencies. The South Caucasus is positioned as a region of stability, connecting Central Asia and Europe through Azerbaijan's strategic infrastructure and resources. This approach, led by President Aliyev, emphasizes regional dialogue and cooperation, offering opportunities for international partnerships while maintaining regional autonomy.