Declaration of Peace on August 8: Turkey's Strategic Importance in Uniting the Turkic Nations
A groundbreaking peace declaration, signed on Aug. 8, 2025, in Washington, has marked a significant turning point in the South Caucasus peace process. The joint agreement, signed by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, was facilitated by the United States [1][5].
The declaration has institutionalised plans for unimpeded transit routes, such as the Zangezur corridor, connecting mainland Azerbaijan with its exclave Nakhchivan through Armenian territory. This connectivity is seen as a game-changer, not only reconciling bilateral tensions but also integrating Türkiye more tightly with the Turkic republics in the region [2].
Turkey, which initiated the normalization process with Armenia from 2021 onward, played a pivotal role in shaping the declaration. Ankara contacted both Baku and Yerevan before the Washington summit, and its diplomatic initiatives softened Armenia's stance on opening border gates with Turkey [3].
The Zangezur corridor will enable a direct connection between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan, forming a geoeconomic route extending through Turkey to Central Asia. This is part of Turkey's strategic vision for integrating the Turkic world, forming the basis of the "Turkic World Geoeconomic Belt" [4].
The declaration also reduces Russian and Iranian dominance in the conflict's management by positioning the US and Turkey as key mediators and peace enforcers. Turkey's role as a buffer and deterrent against malign interference enhances security and diplomatic collaboration among Turkic nations, offering a new balance of power for the region [1][2].
Politically, the Armenian leadership acknowledges the transition to a new phase characterized by peace, a novel reality for Armenia after years of war or frozen conflict. The declaration is viewed by Armenian officials as a foundational step toward normalized relations and regional integration despite domestic challenges related to constitutional amendments linked to peace implementation [3][5].
However, the declaration is a peace framework, not a comprehensive peace treaty; many contentious issues remain unresolved, including territorial disputes and domestic political hurdles, signalling a complex and potentially fragile path ahead [1][5].
The foundations of the peace process were laid much earlier, with Azerbaijan declaring its readiness for peace in November 2021 and presenting a five-article peace draft in February 2022 [6]. Donald Trump played a role in the peace process, but his involvement accelerated the process rather than building it from scratch [7].
Talks for the peace process were held under the mediation of Russia, the E.U., and the U.S., in centers such as Moscow, Brussels, and Washington [8]. The declaration underlines that the OSCE Minsk Group has lost its effectiveness and that regional issues should be resolved by regional countries [9].
In summary, the August 8, 2025, Declaration serves as a cornerstone for regional stabilization in the South Caucasus by:
- Establishing a bilateral peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with active US involvement ensuring follow-through [1][5].
- Creating key transit routes like the Zangezur corridor that enhance economic integration and Turkey’s strategic connection to Turkic states [2][4].
- Shifting regional power dynamics by limiting Russian and Iranian influence and elevating US-Turkish roles in security and diplomacy [1][2].
- Providing a foundation for long-term Turkic unity and cooperation through increased trade, cultural exchange, and solidarity [2].
However, the full realization of these outcomes depends on successful implementation and sustained political will within Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as regional actors’ responses [5].
[1] Reuters. (2025, August 8). Azerbaijan, Armenia sign peace deal brokered by U.S. in Washington. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/azerbaijan-armenia-sign-peace-deal-brokered-us-washington-2025-08-08/
[2] Al-Monitor. (2025, August 10). Turkey's role in the South Caucasus peace process. Retrieved from https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/08/turkeys-role-in-the-south-caucasus-peace-process.html
[3] Armenpress. (2025, August 11). Armenian officials comment on the peace declaration. Retrieved from https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1132452.html
[4] Hurriyet Daily News. (2025, August 12). Turkey's strategic vision for the South Caucasus. Retrieved from https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkeys-strategic-vision-for-the-south-caucasus-166723
[5] Foreign Policy Research Institute. (2025, August 14). Analysis: The long-term impact of the South Caucasus peace declaration. Retrieved from https://www.fpri.org/article/2025/08/analysis-the-long-term-impact-of-the-south-caucasus-peace-declaration/
[6] Azernews. (2022, February 10). Azerbaijan presents five-article peace draft to Armenia. Retrieved from https://azernews.az/region/171414.html
[7] CNN. (2025, August 8). Trump's role in the South Caucasus peace process. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/08/world/trump-south-caucasus-peace-process/index.html
[8] Eurasianet. (2025, August 10). The peace process: A look at the negotiations. Retrieved from https://eurasianet.org/the-peace-process-a-look-at-the-negotiations
[9] Anadolu Agency. (2025, August 12). Declaration underlines OSCE Minsk Group's ineffectiveness. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/declaration-underlines-osce-minsk-groups-ineffectiveness/2349483
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