Azerbaijan and Armenia Begin Border Delimitation Without Intermediaries

Azerbaijan and Armenia have commenced the process of delimiting and demarcating their shared border without the involvement of intermediaries, according to President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan. In a recent statement, Aliyev emphasized that the two countries do not require the assistance of external parties, particularly those pursuing their own political and economic interests in the region.

The border delimitation process is being conducted based on the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration, which serves as the foundational document for determining the borders according to the administrative divisions that existed at the time of the Soviet Union's dissolution. As of late April 2024, significant progress has been made, with over half of the required geodetic measurements completed and 35 border posts already installed.

President Aliyev stressed that the agreement on border delimitation was reached through bilateral discussions between Azerbaijan and Armenia, conducted in a spirit of dialogue and mutual understanding. He described the commencement of demarcation work along the border following the delimitation process as a positive step forward.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently spoke with the leaders of both countries, reaffirming Washington's support for the peace process. Blinken urged Aliyev to maintain momentum in the negotiations and reiterated the United States' willingness to support the efforts. The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia are set to meet soon in Almaty, Kazakhstan, to advance negotiations on a peace treaty, as per Kazakhstan's proposal.

Why this matters: The delimitation and demarcation of the Azerbaijan-Armenia border without intermediaries marks a significant milestone in the normalization of relations between the two countries after 30 years of conflict. The progress made in this process reflects a shared commitment to resolving outstanding issues and establishing lasting peace in the South Caucasus region.

President Aliyev affirmed Azerbaijan's strong political will in advancing the peace agenda and its support for establishing an integrated South Caucasus regional cooperation model without dividing lines. The ongoing work on border delimitation and demarcation reflects a mutual desire to adhere to international norms and historical precedents, as both countries aim to solidify their borders and prevent future escalations in the region.

Key Takeaways

• Azerbaijan and Armenia commenced border delimitation without intermediaries.
• Delimitation based on 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration, over 50% geodetic work done.
• Bilateral discussions in a spirit of dialogue, demarcation work underway.
• U.S. supports peace process, Azerbaijan-Armenia foreign ministers to meet.
• Milestone in normalizing relations, reflects commitment to regional cooperation.