BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 26. Azerbaijan is
building peace through real actions, not just words, political
analyst Azer Garayev told Trend.


"Long-standing conflict, confrontation, and mistrust in the
South Caucasus have significantly limited the region’s development
potential. Recent developments, however, indicate that Azerbaijan
is taking consistent and pragmatic steps to ensure regional
stability and lasting peace. These steps are reflected not only in
political statements but also in tangible humanitarian and economic
initiatives," he said.


One of the most notable recent developments, according to
Garayev, is Azerbaijan facilitating the transit of grain from
Russia and Kazakhstan to Armenia through its territory.


“Two grain shipments from Russia and one from Kazakhstan have
already reached Armenia via Azerbaijan. This is significant not
only economically but also politically and humanitarily. It opens
communication lines in the region and ensures mutual benefits. Baku
has repeatedly stated that opening transport and trade routes
serves the interests of the entire region, not just one country.
The unhindered transit of strategic products like grain is a
practical confirmation of this position,” he said.


Garayev also highlighted Azerbaijan’s recent start of fuel
deliveries to Armenia.


“Energy cooperation is a sensitive and strategic field. By
exporting fuel to Armenia, Azerbaijan clearly demonstrates that it
prioritizes collaboration over confrontation. Importantly, all
these initiatives are undertaken unilaterally, without requiring
reciprocal political will or constructive engagement from the other
side. Baku’s main priorities are long-term peace, regional
stability, and economic integration,” he added.


The analyst emphasized that President Ilham Aliyev has
repeatedly noted the emergence of new realities in the South
Caucasus, which should be based on cooperation, mutual respect, and
international law.


“Post-war, Azerbaijan has prioritized reconstruction and
integration. Extensive development is underway in liberated
territories, shaping the future economic map of the region.
Unfortunately, some political circles in Armenia continue to pursue
revanchist rhetoric and live in the past, which harms both Armenian
society and regional prospects. These positions isolate Armenia
from regional projects and deepen economic isolation,” he
explained.


Garayev noted that Azerbaijan’s grain transit and fuel
deliveries show that rational cooperation, rather than hostility,
is the guiding principle. “These actions have a direct positive
impact on the socio-economic conditions of the Armenian
population,” he said.


He also criticized certain European actors for attempting to
hinder these processes.


“For example, the European Parliament’s recent resolution
against Azerbaijan and the EU-Armenia Strategic Agenda demonstrate
that Brussels has moved away from a neutral mediator role, taking a
one-sided political stance. Terminology, selective facts, and
misrepresentations in these documents serve to legitimize Armenia’s
political narrative rather than promote peace,” he said.


Garayev further pointed out that claims in these documents about
“forcibly displaced” Armenians and “released prisoners” do not
align with reality. International organizations, including the
International Committee of the Red Cross, confirm that individuals
left voluntarily, and post-war detainees are not prisoners of war
but individuals held for specific crimes under Azerbaijani law.


He warned that European documents often ignore Azerbaijan’s
territorial integrity and post-2020 realities, providing political
cover for Armenia’s non-constructive stance. Expanding monitoring
missions while overlooking Armenia’s regional obligations
undermines the peace process. Against this backdrop, Azerbaijan’s
initiatives on grain transit, fuel supply, and opening
communication lines clearly demonstrate that real peace is built
through concrete, responsible actions, not declarations.


“Every initiative by Azerbaijan highlights its humanitarian
responsibility and regional leadership. These measures are
significant not only bilaterally but also within a broader
geopolitical context. Today, Azerbaijan is a key hub for East-West
and North-South transport corridors. This status provides
opportunities but also responsibilities, and Azerbaijan proves it
is a reliable partner as a transit country. The question remains:
who is taking real steps toward peace? Facts show that Azerbaijan
advances the peace agenda through practical action. Grain transit,
fuel supply, and open communication lines are all part of Baku’s
strategic vision. Armenia faces a choice: cling to revanchist
illusions or accept the emerging new realities and pursue
cooperation. History shows the latter is both more rational and
promising,” Garayev said.


He concluded that Azerbaijan’s actions demonstrate that peace is
indispensable and materializes through real economic and
humanitarian collaboration.


“Baku clearly shows that peace is built through tangible
initiatives, not just documents. The future of the region depends
on this approach, and Azerbaijan is ready to play a leading role,
already demonstrating this with concrete steps,” he added.


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