BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 21. On January 9,
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received
Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of
Elders, and members of the judging committee of the Zayed Award for
Human Fraternity – former President of the European Council Charles
Michel and former Chairperson of the African Union Commission
Moussa Faki Mahamat.
Trend presents the
report prepared from that meeting.
The delegation expressed its pleasure at once again visiting
Azerbaijan and conveyed its gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for
the reception. The delegation informed the President that the 2026
Zayed Award for Human Fraternity will be presented to him in
recognition of his efforts to achieve peace between Azerbaijan and
Armenia. They announced that the solemn award ceremony will take
place on February 4 in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu
Dhabi, and expressed their honor in personally handing the
invitation letter to President Ilham Aliyev to attend the event as
a guest of honor.
The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity was established on the
basis of a document signed by Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Al-Tayeb,
Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of
Elders, and the late Pope Francis. The award promotes the
humanitarian legacy and values of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al
Nahyan, the founder and former President of the United Arab
Emirates. President Ilham Aliyev’s selection for the award was also
described as a reflection of the high appreciation expressed by the
Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Pope Leo XIV, and the judging committee for
the Azerbaijani President’s efforts to establish peace. The judging
committee stated that, after studying all peace models worldwide
last year, it concluded that the peace agreement model between
Azerbaijan and Armenia constitutes an excellent example that can be
applied in other regions affected by conflict and war.
Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim
Council of Elders, said on behalf of the judging
committee: “I would like to say on behalf of the judging
committee that Your Excellency’s work in achieving success toward a
peace agreement inspires us all and serves as a magnificent example
of peace for conflict zones around the world.
We and the entire world highly value this from the perspective
of principles and values, because the world truly needs it. The
presentation of this award to you demonstrates the importance of
the agreement in terms of establishing peace, reconciliation, and
regional stability. Mr. President, we sincerely express our
gratitude to you.”
Charles Michel, former President of the European Council
and member of the Zayed Award judging committee, stated:
“I believe that the peace agreement you have jointly implemented
with Armenia sends a very strong signal to countries around the
world. Despite difficulties, past and present suffering, there is a
shared will to look to the future – even modestly – with optimism
and hope. This aligns with the values we wish to promote and
defend. Because we believe these values should be encouraged even
more in the future. I would like to reiterate that we appreciate
your leadership and this peace agreement. Through our decision on
the award, we wish to demonstrate our support for all your efforts
to make this peace agreement a reality, and to express positive
hopes and prospects for the region, the South Caucasus, and the
wider area.”
Moussa Faki Mahamat, former Chairperson of the African
Union Commission and member of the judging committee,
remarked: “I think peace and stability are very necessary.
In my opinion, your vision and leadership qualities are highly
appreciated. As a judging committee member, I would like to
congratulate you and thank you for agreeing to meet with us, for
showing the whole world and the peoples of the region what peace
and courage truly mean. As you mentioned, until recently there was
killing and bloodshed. But now you have demonstrated the courage to
move forward and establish peace and stability. Your Excellency,
congratulations.”
x x x
Expressing his gratitude to the judging committee for their kind
words, the invitation, and the high appreciation of Azerbaijan’s
efforts to establish peace in the region, the head of state
emphasized that he gladly accepted the invitation.
Touching upon the importance of peace for regional stability and
prosperity, President Ilham Aliyev stated that, despite the
suffering and sacrifices endured by the Azerbaijani people during
the occupation, Azerbaijan has demonstrated strong political will
to achieve lasting peace. He pointed out that the peace agreement
was prepared by Azerbaijan and presented to Armenia, and that
efforts in this direction would continue.
President Ilham Aliyev: “As you rightly noted,
peace will bring stability and prosperity to the entire region. If
we look at the recent past, we can see that our case is somewhat
unique. By recent past, I mean the last decade. It took only two
years to move from the last bloody battles to peace. Despite the
suffering and sacrifices, we have shown strong political will to
establish peace once and for all, and we are already seeing the
results.”
The head of state noted that Azerbaijan has been living in peace
for only five years and stressed that in recent months peace has
already shifted to a practical plane, including in the field of
trade. In this context, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the
historic significance of the agreements reached on the peace agenda
during the Washington meeting on August 8, 2025, and highly
appreciated the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump in this
regard.
President Ilham Aliyev: “We are getting used to
living in peace. Believe me, it is a pleasant feeling. You feel
that there is no more war, no more additional losses, no more
bloodshed. You can do much more work for the people, the country,
development, prosperity, and stability. Once again, I believe that
the agreement reached between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and the
recognition given by such a respectable group of individuals, truly
shows that strong political will is needed to achieve peace. You
must genuinely desire it. You must do it not just in words, but in
deeds. When such efforts are recognized, it motivates you even more
and sends a message of peace to other places on the global map
where people are still dying in war.”
Speaking about the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, the head of
state noted that the memory of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al
Nahyan enjoys great respect worldwide. President Ilham Aliyev also
highlighted his brotherly relations with his successor, President
of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In
this regard, he said that being awarded this prize is a double
honor for him. President Ilham Aliyev asked the guests to convey
his gratitude to the Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, the
Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and the Pope for their support of the peace
agenda achievements in the region and for the appreciation shown
toward his activities.
During the conversation, the sides exchanged views on issues of
mutual interest.
Will be updated
