Azerbaijan's president acknowledges Pakistan's ongoing backing on the matter of the Karabakh conflict.
A Historic Peace Agreement Between Azerbaijan and Armenia: Implications for Pakistan and Central Asia
In a groundbreaking development, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a US-brokered peace agreement in August 2025, marking the end of decades of hostilities over Nagorno-Karabakh and paving the way for lasting peace, open trade, and travel between the two countries [1][3][5].
The agreement, signed at the White House, includes several key provisions. Both nations have committed to ending hostilities and respecting each other's sovereignty [1]. The deal also establishes the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), a strategic transit corridor linking Azerbaijan to its exclave Nakhchivan through Armenian territory, with the United States holding exclusive development rights for 99 years in the corridor region [3].
The TRIPP corridor facilitates direct transport between Turkey and Azerbaijan, bypassing Iran and Russia, potentially shifting regional geostrategic influence [3]. Turkey has expressed support for the deal as a boost for regional connectivity and stability [1][4]. However, Iran has expressed opposition, citing security concerns about the transit corridor [3][4]. Russia, a traditional regional powerbroker, has cautiously welcomed the peace deal while warning against external intervention [4].
The agreement reflects a significant shift in regional power and alliances. Azerbaijan, having reclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023, has leveraged its military advantage to shape the agreement, which critics argue institutionalizes a "victor's peace" favoring Baku without fully addressing Armenian grievances [2]. Armenia has granted the U.S. long-term rights in the corridor, signaling deeper U.S. influence aimed at reducing Russian, Iranian, and Chinese control in the South Caucasus [3].
The deal potentially strengthens Turkey's regional role by enhancing its ties with Azerbaijan and facilitating direct access to Central Asia [1][3]. For Pakistan, this development could have strategic and economic benefits. The corridor enables transportation linking Turkey through Azerbaijan to Central Asia, bypassing Iran and Russia, which could diversify trade and transit routes for Central Asian countries seeking access to Europe and Turkey [3].
Pakistan, traditionally an ally of Azerbaijan and Turkey with close ties to Turkic Central Asian states, may benefit from increased regional stability and connectivity. This could offer alternative trade routes and diplomatic leverage in Eurasia. The settlement potentially shifts regional dynamics by reducing Russia and Iran's influence, impacting Pakistan's broader geopolitical considerations where Iran and Russia are significant players [3][1].
Pakistan may view this as an opportunity to deepen engagement with South Caucasus and Central Asian republics, capitalizing on emerging transport corridors and regional cooperation frameworks. Prime Minister Shehbaz, in his conversation with President Aliyev, expressed his satisfaction on the positive trajectory of their bilateral cooperation and reiterated his invitation for an official visit to Pakistan soon [6].
In conclusion, the peace agreement represents a landmark accord ending the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict with significant U.S. involvement, regional power shifts favoring Azerbaijan and Turkey, and strategic transportation corridors affecting connectivity in South Caucasus and Central Asia, which in turn hold important geopolitical and economic implications for Pakistan and its neighbors [1][3][4].
- The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), a transit corridor from Azerbaijan to its exclave Nakhchivan through Armenian territory, is a key provision in the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, with the US holding exclusive development rights for 99 years in the corridor region.
- The peace agreement's establishment of the TRIPP corridor potentially strengthens Turkey's regional role by enhancing its ties with Azerbaijan and facilitating direct access to Central Asia.
- Pakistan, traditionally an ally of Azerbaijan and Turkey, may view the peace agreement as an opportunity to deepen engagement with South Caucasus and Central Asian republics, capitalizing on emerging transport corridors and regional cooperation frameworks.
