One year has passed since the signing of documents in Washington on August 8, 2025, which marked a historic turning point in the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Following the summit attended by U.S. President Donald Trump, significant steps have been taken toward normalizing relations between the two countries. Over the past year, peace and stability have been maintained in the region, while new opportunities have emerged for the development of economic and transportation links. As part of the agreements reached between the sides, the text of the peace agreement was initialed, work continued on the implementation of the TRIPP project, and practical steps were taken, including the transportation of cargo to Armenia through Azerbaijan and the export of Azerbaijani oil products to Armenia.
Political commentator and human rights defender Ahmad Shahidov, who is currently in Washington, described the August 8, 2025 agreement as a historic event for the South Caucasus. According to him, significant progress has been achieved over the past year toward establishing peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The preservation of stability in the region, the expansion of economic relations, and the development of transportation projects demonstrate that the peace process has moved beyond political statements toward practical cooperation.
Ahmad Shahidov stated that despite the progress achieved, important steps still need to be taken to fully complete the peace process. In his view, the final peace agreement must first be signed, all regional transportation and communication links must be opened, and an environment of mutual trust must be established between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Armenia. The political commentator believes that only through these steps can the process launched in Washington develop into lasting and sustainable peace.
