Vugar Rahimzada: Washington agreement was a turning point for many conflicts

The meeting held in Washington on August 8 last year, attended by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and US President Donald Trump, as well as the Joint Declaration signed at the meeting, are considered a turning point not only in ensuring stability in the South Caucasus, but also for many conflicts awaiting resolution around the world, Azerbaijani MP Vugar Rahimzada told Report.

According to him, the initialing of the Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Inter-State Relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia marked a solid legal transition toward the signing of a peace agreement.

"The dissolution of the Minsk Group, which had been at the center of attention for years due to its unsuccessful and ineffective activities, was assessed by mutual agreement of the parties as an important step toward peace. Ilham Aliyev's political vision contributed to the failure of years-long provocations against our country and the triumph of truth over falsehood. The declaration signed in Washington fully took into account Azerbaijan's national interests, while its territorial integrity and sovereign rights were unequivocally reaffirmed. This is another confirmation of the trust and diplomatic successes achieved by the country's president in the international community," he said.

The MP noted that the symbolic key to the White House presented by the US president to President Ilham Aliyev, who has gained significant influence in global politics through his resolute position and extensive experience, reflected the importance attached to Azerbaijan-US relations, as well as personal respect and trust in the Azerbaijani leader.

"Over the past year, significant and sustained steps have been taken to develop Azerbaijan-US relations. In his address at the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum, held last month, President Ilham Aliyev drew attention to the current level of development of Azerbaijan-US relations.

Azerbaijan is the author and initiator of the conditions for a peace agreement consistent with international law. President Ilham Aliyev achieved victory both in war and in peace. The initialing of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the United States was the logical result of a lengthy process. Armenia was forced to make peace, and the agreement was initialed with US mediation. Azerbaijan is the author of the five principles set out in the peace agreement. Therefore, Azerbaijan is both the victorious country and the author of peace," he said.