Baku: "The United States of America (US), Armenia and Azerbaijan have signed the Joint Statement of the United States of America, the Republic of Armenia, and the Republic of Azerbaijan on the One-Year Anniversary of the White House Peace Summit," Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the statement highlights the historic White House summit hosted by President Trump a year ago, where President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia signed the Joint Declaration for peace. The leaders witnessed the initialing of the draft 'Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Inter-State Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan' by their Foreign Ministers. On this anniversary, the nations express pride in their achievements and commitment to building upon the foundation that ended decades of conflict, promoting a prosperous future for the South Caucasus. In recognition of these efforts, President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan nominated President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.
The Joint Declaration provided a roadmap for Armenia and Azerbaijan, supported by the United States, to strengthen peace, achieve prosperity, and deepen partnerships. In the past year, the countries have worked towards continued success.
Armenia and Azerbaijan maintained stability along their border and are taking steps to normalize relations, delimit borders, and build confidence through essential measures for lasting stability. The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) is progressing, with the U.S. and Armenia forming the TRIPP Development Company for infrastructure development. Engineering surveys in Armenia are underway, and Azerbaijan has nearly completed a highway and railroad connecting to TRIPP in Armenia. The countries also support an electricity transmission line through TRIPP.
The United States granted $201 million to the Trans-Caspian Enterprise Fund to encourage private sector investment in the Trans-Caspian Trade Route in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. Additionally, the U.S. has signed charters and Memoranda of Understanding with Armenia and Azerbaijan on energy security, border infrastructure and security, AI and semiconductor innovation, and critical minerals, promoting long-term prosperity.
Azerbaijan lifted all transit restrictions with Armenia, facilitating the transport of nearly 60,000 tons of goods within a year. Azerbaijan also supplied 20,000 tons of oil products to Armenia, and both countries aim to increase bilateral trade. Telecom operators signed an internet agreement to enhance regional connectivity and infrastructure development.
The OSCE Minsk Group and related structures were dissolved at Armenia and Azerbaijan's joint request, marking an end to the era of unresolved conflict. At the U.S.' invitation, Armenia and Azerbaijan joined the Board of Peace, aligning with efforts for global peace and prosperity.
The U.S., Armenia, and Azerbaijan reaffirm their support for each country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction within recognized borders. The states remain committed to the full implementation of the August 8 Joint Declaration and unlocking the region's economic potential. The U.S. is dedicated to implementing bilateral Charters and Memoranda of Understanding with Armenia and Azerbaijan and strengthening relationships with both.
While true peace is a gradual process, the steps taken by Azerbaijan and Armenia towards lasting peace serve as a model for the world, promising a bright and prosperous future for the region.