We Have Only Been Living in Peace for 5-6 Months: Aliyev on Armenia-Azerbaijan Relations

It is a great honor for me to receive such a prestigious award as the Zayed Award for Human Brotherhood, especially since it bears the name of the founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed. I consider this a recognition of our efforts to establish peace in the Caucasus after more than thirty years of bloodshed, conflict, and war.

Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev made this statement during an interview with Euronews in Davos on January 20. The state leader noted that today the South Caucasus is entering a new phase of development. “We have only been living in peace for five to six months. We are learning this. Throughout our entire independent history, we have never lived in peace. And this is a special feeling. And, of course, this is a wonderful opportunity. Today the relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan are already turning into cooperation. We have lifted all restrictions on cargo transportation to Armenia. Moreover, we have begun supplying essential goods to Armenia, mainly petroleum products, which the country is heavily dependent on. And this is a mutually beneficial situation. Therefore, I believe that thanks to the joint efforts of Armenia and Azerbaijan, including civil society, we will achieve not only short-term but also lasting peace in the Caucasus. This is our goal,” added President Ilham Aliyev.