Leading UAE think-tank expert highlights significance of Armenian-Azerbaijani accords beyond region

A leading UAE think-tank expert has highlighted the significance of the U.S.-brokered Armenian-Azerbaijani accords for the entire region and beyond.

“We view even the initialing of the peace agreement as progress,” Abdulaziz AlShehhi, Senior researcher and Deputy Head of Research Sector at Abu Dhabi’s TRENDS Research and Advisory, told Armenpress during Orbeli Forum 2025.

“This is a positive step not only for Armenia and Azerbaijan, but for the entire region. The South Caucasus has untapped potential, which can only be realized if all parties move toward peace. We understand that the South Caucasus has experienced periods of conflict numerous times — since 1988, in 2020, and in 2023. The region has faced many difficulties that can slow down any regional development. The UAE has supported this peace from day one, and we are looking forward to its finalization, because the only way the region can stand together as a whole is through peace and becoming a unified economic zone. Now we see that the situation is undoubtedly better than it has been over the past three years. This is a necessary step for political and economic stability,” the expert said.

Commenting on the significance of the unblocking of regional routes – TRIPP project and Crossroads of Peace project – the UAE expert said that these connectivity links are of key importance not just for the South Caucasus, but for countries beyond the region.

“Undoubtedly, the opening of the border is a necessary step in the peace process. It demonstrates faith and trust, showing that all parties have reached an agreement. As for the communication routes, they will create a mutually beneficial situation based on agreed-upon rules. This is important not only for the Gulf countries, but also for routes from the Far East and Central Asia to the South Caucasus, and from the South Caucasus to Europe and the Middle East,” the expert emphasized.

According to him, the South Caucasus has the potential to become an economic zone, which will only happen if all parties reach an agreement on peace by opening their borders.

Asked about the potential benefits of unblocking communication routes in the South Caucasus for countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Abdulaziz AlShehhi emphasized that his country has always pursued a policy of diversifying partners, building friendships, and making investments wherever possible.

“Currently, the UAE views the South Caucasus not only as a friendly region, but also as a place where mutually beneficial opportunities can be created. For the UAE, the uninterrupted operation of these transport routes is of primary importance. No country, including the UAE, will make investments if they do not yield profit in the future. There is potential here, economic benefits, but for investments to happen, there must be peace,” the expert emphasized.

TRIPP is a connectivity project in Armenia envisaged under the U.S.-brokered Armenian-Azerbaijani joint declaration signed in Washington, D.C. The project is expected to unlock strategic economic opportunities, creating long-term benefits by promoting infrastructure investment and enhancing regional connectivity. TRIPP is part of the Crossroads of Peace project.