Azerbaijan-Armenia Reconciliation: Progress in 2025

2025 marked a significant milestone in the Azerbaijan-Armenia reconciliation process. On August 8, leaders from both nations convened in Washington, D.C., at the White House, where they signed key agreements aimed at achieving lasting peace. This positive step demonstrates their commitment to ending years of conflict and moving towards comprehensive normalization, with further developments anticipated in the coming year.

Insights from Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry

During the annual press conference held by the Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, shared valuable insights into what lies ahead for Azerbaijan and Armenia’s normalization efforts. Topics discussed included fuel exports, tariffs, border demarcation, and facilitating visits between citizens of both countries.

Fuel Trade: A New Chapter

In a historic move, Azerbaijan recently began exporting fuel to Armenia via rail through Georgia—the first such transaction in decades. Bayramov noted, “We are currently creating something from scratch.” He highlighted that Armenia’s request concerned oil products, which Azerbaijan is now addressing.

While there were some objections from Armenia regarding the imports, Bayramov remarked that such dissent was largely minimal. He expressed optimism that trade between Azerbaijan and Armenia could expand into other sectors as well.

Overcoming Tariff Challenges

The first shipment of Azerbaijani fuel successfully arrived in Armenia after navigating initial challenges related to tariffs imposed by Georgia. “The proposed tariffs were significantly high, leading to concerns on the Azerbaijani side,” Bayramov explained. However, once the Georgian leadership was informed, the tariffs were revised, aligning them more closely with market conditions. Georgia has officially stated that there will be no fees for this initial transit, though future charges remain to be determined.

Next Steps in Infrastructure Development

Despite an agreement made back in 2020 to establish a rail connection between western Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Republic, progress was disrupted by the second Karabakh War. Azerbaijan is now focused on building the necessary infrastructure for this project. For the rail connection to be completed, Armenia also needs to upgrade its transit infrastructure.

In these efforts, Armenia is engaging in bilateral discussions with the United States to lay the groundwork for regulatory frameworks and institutional support. According to Bayramov, “In 2026, the railways will reach the Armenian border.”

Building Relations Through Engagement

Trade is not the sole area demonstrating positive momentum; there have been numerous expert-level exchanges between the two countries recently. These interactions have fostered hope for expanding future cooperation.

Progress in Border Delimitation

Bayramov reported that experts from both nations have conducted reciprocal visits, revealing progress in fostering cooperation and mutual understanding. “We expect these processes to continue in 2026,” he mentioned.

Furthermore, the border delimitation process is ongoing to promote security and lasting peace. To date, approximately 12 kilometers of the Azerbaijan-Armenia border has been delineated, with essential regulations approved. Plans are in place to carry out the delimitation process from north to south, starting at the Azerbaijan-Armenia-Georgia tri-border point and concluding at the Azerbaijan-Armenia-Iranian border. Bayramov concluded, “The delimitation process will be executed in segments, addressing enclave-exclave issues within this framework.”

Conclusion

The developments in the Azerbaijan-Armenia relationship in 2025 reflect meaningful advancements towards reconciliation and cooperation. As both nations work towards normalization, the prospect of deeper ties and mutual understanding is becoming increasingly plausible.

Key Takeaways

• 2025 saw a significant step forward in Azerbaijan-Armenia relations with key agreements signed in Washington.
• Azerbaijan has begun exporting fuel to Armenia, with plans for broader trade expansion.
• Infrastructure developments are underway to establish rail connections between the two countries.
• Ongoing border delimitation efforts demonstrate commitment to long-term peace and security.