BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 26. President Ilham
Aliyev addressed the participants of the “Gernika Award for Peace
and Reconciliation” Ceremony, Trend reports.
"Dear friends,
I express my profound gratitude to the Town Councils of
Gernika-Lumo and Pforzheim, the Gernika Peace Museum, the Casa de
Cultura and the Gernika Gogoratuz Peace Research Center for
awarding me with the “Gernika Award for Peace and Reconciliation”
in recognition of my efforts to achieve peace between Azerbaijan
and Armenia and to encourage dialogue.
It is a great privilege to receive this prominent award, which
aims to perpetuate the historical memory of the Gernika tragedy and
to honor individuals who contribute to peace and reconciliation
processes. The presentation of this award on 26 April – Gernika
Victims’ Remembrance Day – holds particular symbolism. This heinous
crime perpetrated against the civilian population in Gernika 89
years ago, remains one of the most horrific and bloody pages of the
last century. I believe that any crime against civilians
constitutes a violation of humanity and humanistic principles. I
share in the pain and grief of Gernika and solemnly pay tribute to
the memory of its victims.
The message of peace and reconciliation arising from the history
of Gernika carries profound significance for all peoples. The
memories and experiences of peoples who have endured the dire
consequences of war must serve as a crucial lesson for new
generations, enabling them to live in a more stable and secure
world.
The people of Azerbaijan, who have experienced the grave
ramifications of war and lived in a conflict environment for nearly
30 years, understand the value of peace and reconciliation all too
well. Today, Azerbaijan is learning how to live in an atmosphere of
peace. For us, it is a novel and extraordinary feeling, as we have
not had the opportunity to experience this since regaining our
independence.
The Summit in Washington, D.C., in August 2025 witnessed the
initialing of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and
the signing of the Joint Declaration, thus bringing a complete end
to the three-decade-long conflict and laying the foundation for
peace, reconciliation, and partnership between our peoples.
At present, Azerbaijan is adjusting to this new reality and to
life in a peaceful environment. This positive atmosphere, and the
growing confidence in stability and security, enable us to advance
and devote greater time and resources to our development agenda. In
the meantime, we are taking steps to consolidate peace and
translate it into practical actions, and both of our societies are
already witnessing tangible benefits of peace in economic, trade,
and other spheres. Today, Azerbaijan facilitates the export of its
petroleum products, as well as wheat and other goods from third
countries, to Armenia through our territory.
Confidence-building measures between the two countries are
crucial for the establishment of lasting peace. Regular meetings
among representatives of civil society, along with initiatives at
the state level, make a positive contribution to this process.
The example of Azerbaijan and Armenia demonstrates that despite
protracted conflict, suffering, and mutual mistrust, peace can be
achieved when there is strong political will and international
support.
Dear friends,
The “Gernika Award for Peace and Reconciliation” is not merely a
recognition of past accomplishments, but also an inspiring impetus
and a responsibility regarding future steps to be taken for the
sake of the shared prosperity of the international community and
the cause of peace.
I renew my gratitude for this award and extend my best wishes to
everyone for success in their endeavors to promote peace, dialogue,
and mutual understanding," the address reads.
