Pashinyan in Washington for ‘Historic Peace’ Signing Ceremony With Trump, Aliyev

STORY DEVELOPING: A major diplomatic event is about to take place in Washington, D.C., as Armenia and Azerbaijan prepare for a peace summit hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump is calling it a “Historic Peace Summit,” which could become the most significant breakthrough yet in the decades-long conflict between the two nations.

Despite many international efforts, lasting peace has remained out of reach due to Azerbaijan’s ongoing aggression and occupation.

According to President Trump, both Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev are scheduled to attend a Peace Signing Ceremony at the White House. The event, expected to conclude with the signing of a peace declaration and bilateral economic agreements with the United States, could reshape the future of the South Caucasus.

Just hours before the long-awaited meeting with Trump, Pashinyan met with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss strengthening Armenia-U.S. relations and review plans for today’s meetings with Trump and Aliyev.

The United States is also preparing to sign separate agreements with Armenia and Azerbaijan aimed at creating new economic opportunities. These agreements are part of a larger plan to develop the region, promote stability, and expand trade and transit routes benefiting all three countries.

Media reports from Washington have raised questions about whether the summit will include Armenia’s approval of a U.S.-backed transit route through Syunik province. Politico and Axios reported that Armenia may grant the United States exclusive development rights for a 27-mile stretch of the transit route through Syunik (also known as the Zangezur Corridor), connecting Azerbaijan to Nakhijevan.

The route, informally called the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), is expected to include new rail lines, oil and gas pipelines, fiber-optic cables, and electricity infrastructure. While Washington views it as a major geopolitical and economic opportunity, the reaction in Armenia has been cautious and concerned.

Pashinyan’s office has firmly denied any agreement to allow a “corridor” that compromises Armenia’s sovereignty.

“All claims and reports that Armenia has agreed, is agreeing, or will agree to ‘corridor’ solutions simply do not correspond to reality,” said Nazeli Baghdasaryan, the prime minister’s spokesperson. She stressed that Armenia’s position has been consistent and clearly stated during Pashinyan’s July 16 press conference.

At that press conference, Pashinyan indicated a willingness to consider a transit plan but made it clear that any agreement would not affect Armenia’s control over its land. Armenian officials insist that any roads or infrastructure passing through Armenia will remain under Armenian authority and operate under the country’s laws.

Vice Speaker of Armenia’s National Assembly Ruben Rubinyan reaffirmed this position, stating that any agreement on transport routes will respect Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and laws. He also emphasized that opening routes must be reciprocal—if Azerbaijan gains access through Armenia, Armenia must gain access through Azerbaijan as well.

Even with the government’s reassurances, many Armenian opposition leaders remain concerned. They argue that Armenia is being pressured to make concessions while Azerbaijan’s ongoing attacks and occupation are overlooked. Critics fear the summit could force Armenia to give up land and weaken its security without delivering real justice or lasting peace.

The conflict over Artsakh is not only about territory—it is about the survival and justice of the Armenian people. Azerbaijan has carried out ethnic cleansing, driving Armenians from their ancestral homes. It has destroyed Armenian churches and cultural sites in Artsakh in an attempt to erase Armenia’s history and identity there. In addition, many Armenian political prisoners remain detained in Azerbaijan under harsh and undisclosed conditions.

The results of the summit could significantly shape Armenia’s political future. Reports indicate that a broader peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan has been in the works since March. The treaty may include the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group, which Pashinyan has already agreed to. However, another demand—a change to Armenia’s constitution—is not currently being considered, and any vote on it is unlikely before the June 2026 elections.

The Peace Signing Ceremony is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 8, at the White House. Continue following The Armenian Report for live updates from Washington.

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