President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of the Republic of Armenia met on the margins of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek on 31 August. The two leaders underscored the historic significance of the Washington Peace Summit, which took place on 8 August 2025. This summit resulted in the signing of a Joint Declaration by President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan, witnessed by US President Donald Trump. It included the preliminary agreement on the text of the Agreement for the Establishment of Peace and Inter-State Relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
The discussions highlighted key developments, including the export of Azerbaijani petroleum products to Armenia and the transit of grain and other goods from third countries through Azerbaijan to Armenia. These initiatives are significant benefits stemming from the peace process. Additionally, both leaders welcomed the growing interactions between their respective business communities and explored avenues to strengthen economic, trade, and energy cooperation.
President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan acknowledged the vital role of the state commissions responsible for delineating the border between Azerbaijan and Armenia, emphasising the importance of their continued work in accordance with previously established agreements. They also addressed the practical steps necessary to implement the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), an outcome of the Washington Peace Summit, while highlighting the significance of related connectivity projects.
Furthermore, President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan assessed the positive impact of confidence-building activities involving parliamentarians and representatives of civil society, recognising their contribution to fostering mutual trust and supporting a broader peace agenda. They committed to advancing their bilateral engagement to further consolidate lasting peace, normalise interstate relations, and enhance connectivity between their countries.
