Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev has praised U.S. President Donald Trump for his role in advancing peace efforts in the South Caucasus, describing recent diplomatic developments as an important step towards long-term regional stability.
In a message marking Donald Trump’s birthday, Ilham Aliyev highlighted Washington’s involvement in facilitating dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia, saying the U.S. had played an “indispensable role” in strengthening relations and supporting the peace process.
“We are also grateful to you for your determination in advancing the peace agenda in the South Caucasus,” Ilham Aliyev said. “The Trilateral Joint Declaration signed in Washington in your presence, as well as the initialling of the Agreement on Establishment of Peace and Inter-State Relations with Armenia, are the result of your consistent efforts toward peacebuilding.”
Ilham Aliyev also highlighted the importance of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity initiative, known as TRIPP, describing it as a major contribution to regional cooperation.
The project is intended to create a transport corridor linking Azerbaijan’s mainland with its Nakhchivan exclave through Armenia, forming part of the wider Middle Corridor connecting Europe and Asia.
“At the same time, we view the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity as a further contribution to the development of sustainable peace and cooperation in the region,” Ilham Aliyev said.
The route is expected to be developed through an Armenian-American joint venture and could unlock economic opportunities while strengthening infrastructure links across the South Caucasus.
Analysts say recent diplomatic activity signals renewed momentum towards a comprehensive peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Geopolitical analyst Akbar Novruz said the high-level engagement reflects a commitment to move beyond negotiations and towards implementation.
“This is perhaps the highest level of engagement since the initial peace deal was signed in Washington,” he said, noting that senior officials involved in the process are closely linked to decision-making on the peace file.
He added that both sides appear focused on maintaining dialogue and building confidence through continued engagement, including contacts between civil society groups.
According to Akbar Novruz, one of the most notable developments is an increasing indication that both Azerbaijan and Armenia are seeking to take greater ownership of the process.
“They are showing that they are not dependent on external mediators such as Washington, Moscow or Brussels,” he said. “This sends a strong message that both sides are committed to moving forward and signing a final peace agreement.”
The shift could mark a significant change in regional diplomacy, where external powers have traditionally played a central role in negotiations.
Despite signs of progress, the path to a final agreement remains complex.
Akbar Novruz pointed to domestic political dynamics in Armenia as a potential obstacle, particularly the need for broader political support to implement key elements of any peace deal.
He said constitutional requirements and parliamentary arithmetic could make it difficult to secure approval for measures such as a referendum, which may be needed to resolve outstanding issues.
“There is still a structural gap in the current system,” he said, adding that additional political backing would be required to move the process forward fully.
External factors could also influence developments. Akbar Novruz noted that geopolitical pressures, including potential involvement from Russia, may affect the pace and direction of negotiations.
Beyond political agreements, the success of any peace settlement will depend on broader efforts to integrate societies and rebuild trust after decades of conflict.
Analysts say initiatives such as TRIPP could play an important role by creating economic incentives and encouraging cross-border cooperation.
While Ilham Aliyev’s message underlines optimism about the current direction of talks, the coming months are likely to be crucial in determining whether diplomatic progress can be translated into a lasting and comprehensive settlement.
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