World leaders applaud Azerbaijan, Armenia on signing historic peace deal VIDEO / UPDATED

The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity ceremony took place in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan attended the event.

The proceedings commenced with the rendition of the UAE national anthem, followed by the screening of a video highlighting the significance of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity.

World leaders have extended their congratulations to Azerbaijan and Armenia following the initialing of the "Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia,” a landmark accord bringing an end to decades of conflict. Messages of support were delivered via video, highlighting the historic significance of the agreement and the joint receipt of the 2026 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity.

President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan praised the bold steps taken by both sides:

“I would like to particularly emphasize that I highly value both the bold steps taken by my brother Ilham Aliyev toward establishing lasting peace, and the determined will demonstrated by Mr. Pashinyan. I hope that the 2026 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity will bring benefits to all of humanity.”

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev added his congratulations, noting the broader support for peace:

“I sincerely congratulate President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on receiving the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity. I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his consistent commitment to upholding these values.”

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also expressed his admiration:

“Honorable President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, it is a great honor for me to wholeheartedly congratulate President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of the Republic of Armenia on being awarded the International Zayed Award for Human Fraternity.”

Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif described the accord as emblematic of human solidarity:

“This landmark agreement embodies the very essence of human fraternity, which the Zayed Award so profoundly celebrates.”

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov extended personal congratulations to the leaders:

“Esteemed Ilham Heydar oglu, esteemed Nikol Vovaevich, I sincerely congratulate you on being named laureates of the 2026 International Zayed Award for Human Fraternity.”

Lebanese President Michel Aoun highlighted the international recognition of the leaders’ humanitarian efforts:

“The selection of the laureates by the trustees of the International Zayed Award represents high international recognition and underscores the profound humanitarian value of acts that serve peace and human dignity.”

King Abdullah II of Jordan sent warm greetings to the award recipients and participants of the ceremony:

“My friends, allow me to convey the warm greetings of the Jordanian people to the esteemed laureates and all participants of this important event — the awarding of the 2026 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity. It is a great honor for me to join you in recognizing and celebrating the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as the extraordinary efforts and people who made it possible.”

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A ceremony for the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is underway in Abu Dhabi, with this year’s laureates including President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia, Afghan human rights and girls’ education activist Zarqa Yaftali, and the Palestinian charitable organisation Taawon.

In video messages, world leaders congratulated Azerbaijan and Armenia on the signing of the Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia, which formally ends years of conflict between the two nations, Caliber.Az reports.

Among the congratulators were Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, and several other prominent leaders.

The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity was established in 2019 following a document signed by the Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Sheikh of Al-Azhar Ahmad Muhammad Ahmad Al-Tayeb, and the late Pope Francis.

The award seeks to promote the humanitarian legacy and values of the founder of the United Arab Emirates, the country’s first president, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

By Aghakazim Guliyev