Azerbaijan and Armenia used a high-profile international platform in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday to underline growing trade ties, expanding cooperation and what both leaders described as an irreversible turn towards peace after decades of conflict.
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan were both presented with the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity in recognition of their efforts to advance peace between the two countries. Speaking at the ceremony, President Aliyev said the past six months had marked a turning point in relations between the two countries, including the start of practical economic cooperation.
“We not only lifted the restrictions on cargo transportation through Azerbaijan to Armenia but also started exporting oil products to Armenia,” Aliyev said, adding that trade relations are now being expanded.
He said he met his Armenian counterpart earlier in the day to discuss next steps.
“During these six months, we have started cooperation. We are now increasing our trade relationship. This morning, I met my Armenian colleague and we discussed how to move forward,” he said.
The ceremony, held in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, brought together regional and international figures and served as a symbolic backdrop for messages focused on reconciliation, connectivity and long-term stability in the South Caucasus.
Trade, transit and early economic dividends
Aliyev said the lifting of transport restrictions and the launch of Azerbaijani oil product exports to Armenia demonstrate that both societies are already seeing concrete benefits from improved relations.
He also pointed to the movement of grain and other goods from third countries to Armenia through Azerbaijani territory as evidence that regional trade corridors are beginning to function.
“These six months have been very important for the development of our relations,” Aliyev said, describing the period as one of partnership, cooperation and steady movement towards lasting peace.
The Azerbaijani leader also thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for hosting and witnessing the Washington Peace Summit, which he said helped lay the groundwork for the current phase of engagement between Baku and Yerevan.
“Since the historical Summit in Washington hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump, it has been the month of partnership, cooperation and movement towards long-lasting and eternal peace,” Aliyev said.
Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan echoed the focus on reconciliation, saying the award belongs not only to leaders but to the peoples of both countries.
“While the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is being formally presented to the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan, it is, in truth, an achievement that belongs to our peoples,” Pashinyan said.
He said leaders on both sides had taken bold steps but stressed that the willingness of societies to embrace a new future is what makes the moment historic.
“We do not need to focus on what we cannot change. Our attention should be on creating a peaceful and prosperous future for our nations. Peace is the only relief for all,” Pashinyan said.
In separate remarks, the Armenian prime minister said that for decades the words “peace”, “Armenia” and “Azerbaijan” were rarely spoken together, adding that what has happened since 2025 marks a profound shift.
“This ceremony is not only a celebration of the peace deal, it is also a confirmation by both Armenia and Azerbaijan that the page of the conflict is turned,” he said.
Aliyev said Azerbaijan and Armenia had been at war for more than 30 years and are now experiencing six months without fighting.
“As I said many times, we are learning to live in peace. I can tell you, it's a special feeling,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to the judging committee for selecting him as a laureate.
“It’s a great honour for me to receive the award,” Aliyev said.
The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity ceremony was held in Abu Dhabi and attended by senior officials and representatives from across the region.
The event featured congratulatory video messages from leaders including Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Zhaparov, Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun, and Jordan’s King Abdullah II, among others.
Afghan women’s rights activist Zarqa Yaftali and representatives of the Palestinian organisation Taawon also addressed the gathering.
The awards were presented by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the ceremony concluded with a group photograph of the laureates.
Together, the speeches and symbolism underscored what both Baku and Yerevan portray as a new phase defined by trade, connectivity and a shared commitment to turn reconciliation into lasting reality.
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