Von der Leyen hopes for swift peace deal between Azerbaijan and Armenia

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed hope for the early signing of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, calling it a "turning point" that could end decades of hostility.

Speaking during a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Brussels on July 14, von der Leyen underscored the significance of the ongoing negotiations between Yerevan and Baku, Caliber.Az cites Armenian media reports.

“The draft peace treaty with Azerbaijan is a turning point that marks the end of decades of enmity. I hope the agreement will be signed as soon as possible,” she said,

On July 10, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and met in Abu Dhabi for bilateral talks, a significant step as it occurred without mediators like Russia, reflecting a shift in regional dynamics. The talks, lasting over five hours, saw both leaders agree to continue direct negotiations, emphasising bilateral dialogue as the most effective path to normalisation. 

By Khagan Isayev