Chechelashvili: Washington meeting created a solid foundation for peace in the South Caucasus

The Washington meeting held in August last year created a solid foundation for peace in the South Caucasus, Valeri Chechelashvili, head of the Georgian Center for Strategic Studies (GCSS), told Report's local bureau.

He described the Washington meeting as an important event for the entire region.

"Let me remind you that Georgia itself has faced the severe consequences of occupation and war. The 2008 war was one of the most tragic chapters in the country's history, causing heavy losses and suffering and leaving a deep scar. That is why Georgia understands very well the importance of ensuring peace and stability in the region. The meeting between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia held in Washington last year was an important event not only for the two countries but for the entire South Caucasus. The Washington Declaration adopted as a result of the meeting created a solid foundation for lasting peace in the region," Chechelashvili said.

The expert emphasized that over the year since the Washington meeting, positive momentum has emerged in Azerbaijan-Armenia relations, with mutual trust gradually strengthening.

"This process is continuing not only between the President of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Armenia, but also between the foreign ministers of the two countries, other officials and government institutions," he noted.

According to Chechelashvili, 2026 could become a historic milestone in Azerbaijan-Armenia relations.

"Armenia's foreign trade statistics may soon include figures for exports to and imports from Azerbaijan, while Azerbaijan's statistics may include figures for exports to and imports from Armenia. This would be tangible evidence of the normalization of relations. This is not only about trade in consumer goods, but also about opportunities for cooperation in the energy sector," the expert said.

According to him, the absence of serious incidents along the Azerbaijan-Armenia border over the past two to three years suggests that the sides have adapted to living in conditions of peace.

"This creates a solid foundation for signing the agreement that has already been initialed and establishing diplomatic relations," Chechelashvili added.

He also noted that the normalization of relations between Armenia and Türkiye at the next stage could expand opportunities for regional cooperation in the South Caucasus.