Armenia has agreed to return four villages to Azerbaijan, as announced by Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada on Friday.

These villages, located along their shared border, have been under Armenian control since the early 1990s. Hajizada characterised this return as a “long-awaited historic event.”

According to Armenia’s Foreign Ministry statement, the two countries have reached a preliminary agreement on four sections of their disputed border.

Azerbaijan has emphasised that the return of these villages is a crucial prerequisite for any peace deal to resolve the conflict that has persisted for over three decades between the two nations, both of which were formerly part of the Soviet Union.

The agreement reached on Friday, facilitated by a meeting chaired by deputy prime ministers from both countries, represents a significant step forward in relations.

This development marks a notable progression in the efforts to address the longstanding disputes between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The history of conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan includes two major wars, with significant shifts in momentum.

Last September, Azerbaijan experienced a notable turn of events in its favour when its forces launched a swift offensive to reclaim control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

This area had been under the de facto control of ethnic Armenians since the mid-1990s.

The return of these villages and the ongoing negotiations signal a potential for resolution and stability in the region.

However, the intricacies of the border disputes and the complexities of the historical and cultural context continue to pose challenges to achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Efforts toward reconciliation and conflict resolution require sustained dialogue, cooperation, and compromise from both sides.

The international community plays a crucial role in facilitating diplomatic initiatives and supporting peaceful resolutions to longstanding conflicts like the one between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

As the situation evolves, continued engagement and commitment to dialogue remain essential for addressing the root causes of tension and fostering sustainable peace in the region.

The return of the villages represents a tangible step forward, but further steps will be necessary to address the broader issues and build trust between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The successful resolution of conflicts such as this one not only benefits the directly involved parties but also contributes to regional stability and promotes cooperation and prosperity.

It is hoped that the recent agreement will serve as a foundation for continued progress and pave the way for a more peaceful and prosperous future for both Armenia and Azerbaijan.

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