Washington D.C. – The United Arab Emirates played a key role in facilitating the historic peace agreement signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, according to Dr.Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Dr. Gargash stated via his account on X (formerly Twitter) that the UAE’s contribution stemmed from the “wise efforts” of sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, who initiated a meeting in Abu Dhabi between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, ultimately leading to the agreement.The meeting in Abu Dhabi took place in May 2024.
the agreement, brokered wiht U.S. involvement, aims to formally end decades of conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. While details of the agreement remain under wraps, it reportedly focuses on establishing a framework for future negotiations regarding border demarcation and the rights of minorities. The signing ceremony was hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Dr. Gargash affirmed the UAE’s continued commitment to regional peace and stability, stating, “The UAE will always be present in the efforts of goodness, peace and stability in the region.” The UAE has been increasingly active in diplomatic efforts across the Middle East and beyond, focusing on de-escalation and conflict resolution.
The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has its roots in the late Soviet period, escalating into a full-scale war in the early 1990s. Azerbaijan regained control of meaningful territories in and around Nagorno-Karabakh during a 2020 war. The recent agreement represents a significant step towards a lasting peace, though challenges remain in implementing its provisions and addressing the concerns of all parties involved. The agreement does not address the status of Nagorno-Karabakh itself, leaving that issue for future negotiations.
