Trump’s Diplomatic Efforts in the South Caucasus

President Donald Trump is set to host a significant diplomatic meeting at the White House, bringing together Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. This meeting aims to advance peace efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan, following renewed hostilities in 2020. The leaders are expected to sign a letter of intent, marking a step towards regional stability, though a formal peace agreement is not anticipated at this time.

The Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has primarily revolved around the Nagorno-Karabakh region, a territory within Azerbaijan with a predominantly Armenian population. Despite declaring independence in 1991, the region was not recognized as an independent state by Armenia or the international community. The area became a focal point of military and financial support from Armenia until Azerbaijani forces regained control in September 2023, leading to mass evacuations of ethnic Armenians.

Challenges in Reaching a Peace Agreement

While both nations announced progress towards a peace deal in March, unresolved issues concerning Nagorno-Karabakh remain. Azerbaijan’s demand for Armenia to amend its constitution and remove references to the territory has been a sticking point. Legal experts argue that this demand lacks legal consequence and should not hinder peace negotiations. The right of return for displaced Armenian Christians is also a critical aspect of the discussions.

Trump’s Pursuit of Global Peace Initiatives

President Trump has consistently highlighted his commitment to resolving international conflicts. His administration’s involvement in brokering peace deals, such as those between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, underscores his diplomatic efforts. Trump’s nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other leaders further emphasizes his pursuit of global peace recognition.