Trump to host Armenia, Azerbaijan for historic 'Peace Signing' Friday

US President Donald Trump announced he will host the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan on Friday for what he called a "Historic Peace Summit" aimed at ending a decades-long conflict between two former Soviet republics.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan "will join me at the White House for an official Peace Signing Ceremony," Trump posted Thursday on his Truth Social platform. 

Sworn enemies

Baku and Yerevan, sworn enemies for decades, went to war twice over the disputed Karabakh region, which Azerbaijan recaptured from Armenian forces in a lightning 2023 offensive, sparking the exodus of more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians.

The two countries have held talks aimed at securing a peaceful resolution, but a breakthrough had proved elusive.

"These two Nations have been at War for many years, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people," Trump wrote.

"Many Leaders have tried to end the War, with no success, until now, thanks to 'TRUMP.' My Administration has been engaged with both sides for quite some time," he added, saying he was "very proud of these courageous Leaders for doing the right thing."

Bilateral deals

The US leader, who has expressed conviction that his mediation efforts in various international conflicts deserve the Nobel Peace Prize, added that Washington will sign bilateral deals "with both Countries to pursue Economic opportunities together" that could unlock potential in the South Caucasus region.