Erdogan: US-brokered agreement marks historic step toward lasting stability in South Caucasus

The agreement reached between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia in the United States represents a historic step toward lasting stability in the South Caucasus, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told journalists following a Cabinet meeting, Report informs.

“I spoke with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Saturday. The liberation of Karabakh after 30 years of occupation had already ushered in a new era for the region. The lifting of restrictions imposed on Azerbaijan is also a welcome development. I expressed our satisfaction during the call,” Erdogan said.

“Today, I discussed the same topic with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The opening of transportation and communication lines, borders, and the expansion of trade will benefit all countries in our region,” he added.

On August 8, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint declaration in Washington, mediated by US President Donald Trump.

According to the declaration, the parties initialed a previously agreed draft of a peace treaty aimed at restoring relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. They also signed a memorandum on lifting communication blockades.