Advancing Peace in the South Caucasus: Forum in Berlin
Historic Armenia–Azerbaijan reconciliation and its broader implications
February 02nd, 2026
On January 27, 2026, a high-level forum entitled “Turning Point in the South Caucasus: Historic Peace Between Azerbaijan and Armenia” was held at the German Parliamentary Society in Berlin. The event was organized by the German ICI Institute in cooperation with Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and convened for the first time in this format in Germany. It brought together representatives of the Federal Government, members of the Bundestag, diplomats, experts, journalists, as well as representatives from business and academia to examine recent developments in the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace process and their broader regional and European implications.
The forum featured keynote addresses by Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Chairman of the Bundestag’s Foreign Affairs Committee Armin Laschet, and the Ambassadors of Azerbaijan and Armenia to Germany, Nasimi Aghayev and Viktor Yengibaryan. Foreign Minister Wadephul noted his long-standing familiarity with the former conflict and described the progress achieved over the past year as a significant success and a milestone in European history. He emphasized that, in a world marked by numerous crises, each successfully resolved conflict represents a positive gain and an important signal. The peace process, he added, creates new opportunities for both countries to develop stable, constructive, and untroubled relations with Europe and the European Union.
Armin Laschet highlighted the exceptional nature of the joint appearance by the Azerbaijani and Armenian ambassadors in Berlin, describing it as unprecedented. He underlined that the peace process holds strategic importance not only for the South Caucasus region but also for Germany. Ambassador Nasimi Aghayev stated that, following the 2020 war, Azerbaijan, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, had undertaken concrete steps toward achieving lasting peace. He noted that Azerbaijan had initiated the peace agenda and presented both the fundamental principles and the first draft of a peace agreement. Ambassador Aghayev also acknowledged Germany’s constructive role, particularly during decisive phases of the negotiations, and referred to the peace summit in Washington in August of the previous year as opening a new, peaceful chapter in relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Ambassador Aghayev emphasized that a sustainable, irreversible, and legally secured peace requires alignment of the Armenian constitution with the principles of the peace agreement and the prompt removal of any territorial claims against Azerbaijan. He further highlighted recent measures taken by Azerbaijan to strengthen peace, including intensified dialogue between parliaments and civil societies. Particular attention was given to the planned TRIPP route, intended to ensure unimpeded connectivity between mainland Azerbaijan and the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan, which could contribute to regional economic stabilization and enhance trade and supply chains for Europe and Germany.
Following the formal statements, both ambassadors responded to questions from the audience, generating lively and substantive discussion. The strong interest expressed by participants underscored the importance attached to the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace process and its potential to contribute to stability, cooperation, and sustainable development in the South Caucasus and beyond.
