Pashinyan and Aliyev Hold Five-Hour Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi

In the latest Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met on July 10, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The high-level talks were held without international mediators and lasted nearly five hours.

The meeting began with both leaders joined by their respective delegations. After initial discussions, they held a private one-on-one meeting, followed by an expanded session with their teams. From Armenia’s side, key figures such as Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan, Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Ruben Rubinyan took part. Azerbaijan was represented by Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev, and other top officials.

The leaders focused on resolving outstanding disagreements related to the long-awaited peace agreement. According to official statements, they confirmed that direct bilateral negotiations are the most effective way to address issues and agreed to continue this format moving forward.

A key area of progress involved the ongoing process of border delimitation. Both sides acknowledged the work already completed and instructed their respective state commissions to keep moving forward with practical steps. They also agreed to continue confidence-building measures aimed at reducing tension and encouraging cooperation.

The Armenian government views this diplomatic meeting as a step toward peace and regional stability. For Yerevan, a fair and lasting agreement is essential not just for Armenia’s national security but also for the long-term future of the South Caucasus region.

Russian officials also weighed in. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan would bring greater stability and predictability to the region. Russia, he said, continues to support peaceful negotiations between the two countries.

The importance of this bilateral meeting was further emphasized by the absence of third-party mediators, underlining both countries’ willingness to manage the process directly. 

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides expressed their gratitude to the host nation. Prime Minister Pashinyan and President Aliyev thanked UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his hospitality and support in facilitating the talks.

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