Azerbaijan honours war dead as peace process with Armenia advances

Azerbaijan observed its annual Remembrance Day, honouring soldiers who died during the 44-day war with Armenia in 2020. This year's commemorations come alongside visible progress in the peace process between the two countries, following decades of conflict rooted in the Soviet Union's collapse.

Rail links and trade

After Azerbaijan lifted transit restrictions in late 2025, a steady flow of rail freight has moved toward Armenia via Azerbaijan Railways, running from Bilajari station to the Boyuk Kasik junction on the Georgian border. State customs data show direct Azerbaijani exports to Armenia between January and August 2026 exceeded $17 million, including roughly 17,000 tonnes of diesel and 5,000 tonnes of petrol. The route also serves as a transit corridor for third countries, carrying agricultural goods, fertiliser and industrial materials.

Digital cooperation and infrastructure

National telecom operators AzerTelecom and Telecom Armenia have implemented a digital transit agreement routing part of Armenia's internet traffic through Azerbaijan, while allowing Azerbaijan to send data to its Nakhchivan exclave via Armenia's network. Armenia's 2026-2031 state programme envisions further trade and transport integration once a final peace treaty is signed, with railway construction already underway in the Ordubad direction.

Diplomatic milestones

The political framework behind this progress was set on 8 August 2025, when Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint declaration for a comprehensive peace agreement at a White House summit hosted by US President Donald Trump. Civil society dialogue has also advanced, including the "Peace Bridge" talks in Gabala. On 18 September 2026, Pashinyan received the Hessian Peace Prize in Wiesbaden, where he said Aliyev was "equally deserving" of the award for his role in regional peace.