Aliyev’s representative says Armenia-Azerbaijan peacebuilding must follow a ‘slow but steady’ approach

Elchin Amirbayov, Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Special Assignments, outlined the country’s priorities on regional stability, relations with Europe, and ongoing peace talks with Armenia, The Brussels Times writes.

Much of the discussion focused on the evolving peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. After more than three decades of conflict, Amirbayov described the present moment as one offering “a horizon and not a deadline for peace.”

He noted that the Washington summit acted as an opening rather than a conclusion:

“It opened the door. Now we need to build the house,” he said.

Azerbaijan’s expectations for long-term peace revolve around three elements:

A durable end to hostility that outlasts political cycles and changing governments.

Open borders and restored regional connectivity as a foundation for predictable relations.

Economic interdependence, positioning shared economic benefits as a stabilizing force.

Beyond official negotiations, track-two exchanges have gradually resumed. Delegations of journalists, academics, and policy experts from both countries have recently travelled to Baku and Yerevan — visits Amirbayov described as early but meaningful steps toward rebuilding communication between societies.

Connectivity projects — including the proposed “Zangezur Corridor” — were discussed as part of a broader effort to link Europe and Asia through the South Caucasus. Amirbayov pointed out that peacebuilding must follow a “slow but steady” approach, allowing both societies time to adapt and support long-term normalization.