[Today's Prayer] Peace Agreement Concludes 40-Year Conflict Between Azerbaijan and Armenia

With mediation by U.S. President Donald Trump, the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan—nations that have been in conflict for nearly 40 years—signed a peace agreement at the White House on the 8th (local time).

At the signing ceremony, Trump stood between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. After they signed the agreement and shook hands, Trump joined in, placing his hand over theirs in a symbolic handshake among the three.

The two nations also signed a separate agreement with the United States to reopen a key transportation route.

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The newly agreed "Trump Road" connects Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, an exclave separated from the mainland and located inside Armenian territory, about 32 km away. Disputes over the creation of a route connecting the mainland to Nakhchivan had been the biggest obstacle to the peace agreement.

For Azerbaijan, a major oil producer, the Trump Road could serve as a direct corridor to Türkiye and Europe.

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Armenia and Azerbaijan have been clashing over control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region for nearly four decades.

Located within Azerbaijan, this region was predominantly inhabited by ethnic Armenians during the Soviet era.

As both countries fought over control of the area, tens of thousands of casualties occurred.

Most recently, in 2023, Azerbaijan gained full control over Nagorno-Karabakh. Since then, negotiations for diplomatic normalization with Armenia have been ongoing.

One major sticking point was Azerbaijan’s demand for the establishment of a corridor to Nakhchivan.

Azerbaijan did not trust Armenia to control the corridor, while Armenia considered handing over control to Azerbaijan as a violation of its sovereignty—this led to stalled negotiations.

However, recognizing the opportunity to strengthen its relationship with the United States, Armenia agreed to the construction of the corridor.

(Conclusion omitted)

Source: Newsis

“For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance.” (Acts 28:30–31)

Beloved God, we thank You that Armenia and Azerbaijan, who have been in conflict for nearly 40 years, have finally signed a peace agreement. We praise You, Lord, for the new work You will do between Armenia and Azerbaijan through this agreement.

We pray that the newly opened "Trump Road" will not only serve as a path for economic and trade activity, but also be used for Your purposes. May the holy gospel of Jesus Christ flow along the Trump Road as it connects to Türkiye, Europe, and to the ends of the earth.

Lord, please remember the land of Nagorno-Karabakh, which lies between Armenia and Azerbaijan and has long been a site of much sacrifice and pain. May Your gospel now be preached in Nagorno-Karabakh, and may Your peace rest upon it.

There are churches in Armenia that You have faithfully preserved. Let Armenia, starting with this peace agreement, pray even more for Azerbaijan and proclaim the gospel to them. As they boldly go forth with the gospel, let Your kingdom come among Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Let Azerbaijan also respond to the gospel and receive Jesus Christ. Make Armenia and Azerbaijan one in the Lord, uniting not merely for political interests but in the love of Jesus Christ. May the two nations unite as one church to prepare the way for the Lord’s return.

Furthermore, may revival break out by the fire and wind of the Holy Spirit, and may holy Armenia and Azerbaijan proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom to all nations!