4 minute read
The peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan has already delivered significant results and achievements in ways that would have been unimaginable several years ago.
Vasif Huseynov, an Azerbaijani expert and head of a department at the Center of Analysis of International Relations and Multiculturalism, expressed this view while addressing the APRI Forum 2026 conference online.
“It may seem that the cycle of escalation and tension is permanent, but we have greater grounds for optimism about the ongoing peace and normalisation process. This is a process that has already delivered very significant results and achievements in ways that would have been unimaginable several years ago,” Huseynov said, adding that he believed this was part of a broader positive picture and that further developments would follow in the near future.
“We have already achieved a great deal. Today, goods can be exported from Azerbaijan to Armenia, as well as from other countries to Armenia through Azerbaijani territory, and only recently we heard that Armenia is preparing to export certain goods to Azerbaijan. I think this is something that should be appreciated and welcomed.
“As for the border process and discussions, as well as the opening of the border between our countries, I think the expectations are quite understandable because, from Azerbaijan’s perspective, it is quite clear that we cannot sign a peace treaty with a country whose constitution contains territorial claims against us,” the Azerbaijani expert said, reiterating the position and rhetoric of his country’s political leadership.
Huseynov recalled that Türkiye is Azerbaijan’s number one ally and, naturally, shares the aforementioned understanding. According to him, this is precisely why it is clear that the peace process will continue and the borders will open when “Armenia removes territorial claims from its Constitution”.
“President Aliyev has repeatedly stated that Azerbaijan is ready to sign the peace treaty the day after Armenia changes its Constitution. Signing the peace treaty would mean establishing diplomatic relations and opening the borders. In other words, the process will proceed step by step.
“This is not a circular process, but a linear one that we are carrying out step by step. Look at how many steps we have taken over the past year since the Washington summit. Those steps are continuing, and there will be more. Therefore, so far, I have not seen any setback that could be described as a circular process,” Huseynov said.
Turning to the TRIPP project, the Azerbaijani expert stressed its regional significance. He said Azerbaijan was interested in peace and stability in the South Caucasus and the wider region. Therefore, according to Huseynov, the successful implementation of the peace process remains a priority for Baku.