By Merve Yildizalp Yormaz
ANKARA / ISTANBUL (AA) – Türkiye’s president on Wednesday praised the recent steps taken by Azerbaijan and Armenia toward establishing lasting peace as “extremely valuable.”
Speaking in a video message to the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2026 program, Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his hope that the award would bring blessings to everyone.
"I hope that these awards, which have been presented since 2019, will contribute to peace and stability throughout the world, especially in the times we are currently facing,” he stated.
He congratulated Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, “who were deemed worthy of this year's awards."
"I believe that with the entry into force of the agreement, on which both sides have reached a consensus regarding its purpose, scope, wording, and spirit, a brand-new chapter will be opened in the future of the Caucasus,” he said, referring to an agreement between the countries reached last August.
“Türkiye sincerely supports all initiatives focused on peace, prosperity, and stability in our region and the world. We will continue to do whatever is necessary to ensure lasting peace in the Caucasus and to actively participate in building bridges of friendship based on fairness.”
The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is an annual independent award recognizing individuals or entities across the world who lead by example, collaborating selflessly and tirelessly to bridge divides and create real human connection, often at great personal sacrifice.
*Writing by Kanyshai Butun