World leaders react to finalization of Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization text

By Paul Vartan Sookiasian

World leaders are responding positively to yesterday’s announcement that Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed on the framework of a normalization treaty aimed at ending decades of conflict.

In a press statement released today by the United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio entitled “time for peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan,” he called the moment “an opportunity for both countries to turn the page on a decades old conflict in line with President Trump’s vision for a more peaceful world.”

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss finalizing the treaty’s text. According to the Kremlin press release, Vladimir Putin emphasized that Russia has always advocated and continues to advocate for the normalization of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations. He stated that both countries can “always rely on Russia’s support in any form to achieve these goals.”

Macron and Baerbock Express Support

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the agreement in a post on X, stating that “there are now no remaining obstacles to the signing of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan.” However, Baku may not entirely agree with this assessment, as it now demands that Armenia undertake a multi-year constitutional amendment process and formally disband the OSCE Minsk Group mediation platform before signing the agreement.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock shared a similar message of optimism, saying that “lasting peace is now within reach.” She credited Armenia for “making courageous concessions” and urged both sides to sign the agreement immediately. Baerbock had previously visited Yerevan in November to meet with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan before attending the COP29 global climate summit in Baku.

EU, Iran, and Georgia Weigh In

The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, commended both sides “for their persistent work over the past few years in this direction.” In a nod to Armenia’s concessions, she specifically credited it with “paving the way for the finalization of the text” and encouraged both nations to “maintain this momentum and ensure a smooth completion of the process.”

Iran’s Foreign Ministry also welcomed the agreement, calling it a “necessary and important step” toward lasting peace in the South Caucasus region. Neighboring Georgia echoed this sentiment, hailing the development as historic.

With the treaty text reportedly “ready to be signed”, according to Armenia’s Foreign Ministry, the key question remains as to when- or if- it will be signed.