On January 22 in Davos, Armenia and Azerbaijan became founding members of the Peace Council launched by US President Donald Trump, with leaders highlighting peace agreements, regional connectivity projects, and opportunities for economic and technological cooperation.

Armenia 

On January 22, Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia, signed the Charter of the Peace Council in Davos, making Armenia a founding member of the organization. The initiative was launched by US President Donald Trump. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Trump remarked, "Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders have become my friends. They are also here… Armenia, Azerbaijan – many of the leaders here later became my friends". During his brief visit to Davos, Pashinyan held meetings with international partners and representatives of the technology sector. During the meetings, Pashinyan discussed cooperation opportunities with Oliver Blum, CEO of Schneider Electric; Michael Dell, founder and CEO of Dell Technologies; and businessman Noubar Afeyan. The discussions focused on developments in Armenia’s high-tech sector, current opportunities, prospects for program implementation, and the country’s economic development priorities. Pashinyan also highlighted the reforms being carried out to enhance the investment climate.

Azerbaijan 

On January 22, President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan also signed a document in Davos marking the country’s accession to the Board of Peace as a founding state. On the same day, President Aliyev met with Donald Trump, the President of the United States, in Davos. During the meeting, both leaders hailed the development of bilateral relations across multiple areas following Trump’s return to power. Emphasis was placed on Trump’s historic role in achieving agreements to advance the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington on August 8 of the previous year. President Aliyev highlighted steps taken toward normalizing relations with Armenia, noting that peace had already been established in the region. He cited the establishment of trade relations as evidence, including the export of Azerbaijani oil products to Armenia and the delivery of imported grain to Armenia via Azerbaijani territory. Aliyev also underlined the strategic importance of the TRIPP project for regional connectivity.

The leaders discussed the significance of the Board of Peace, established under the chairmanship of the US President, emphasizing its role in strengthening peace in the Middle East and contributing to the resolution of global conflicts. Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan’s invitation to join the Board as a founding member reflected the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and the United States, as well as Azerbaijan’s role in promoting global peace. The Presidents also exchanged views on prospects for bilateral relations, noting that reciprocal visits and contacts at various levels had deepened cooperation.

Further Remarks 

Trump also referenced his role in resolving the decades-long Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, stating, "Vladimir Putin called me and said, ‘I can't believe you resolved this conflict.’ It lasted 35 years. I resolved it in one day. And Putin told me, ‘I've been working on this conflict for 10 years and haven't been able to resolve it.’ I said, ‘Do me a favor – focus on resolving your war. Don't worry about it’".