Armenia, Azerbaijan Continue Dialogue on Peace Treaty, Border Demarcation

Leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan met in Abu Dhabi to continue negotiations aimed at resolving their nearly four-decade-long conflict over the Karabakh region. Although a preliminary agreement on the peace treaty's wording was reached earlier this year, the latest talks yielded no breakthrough or a timeline for finalization, with both sides pledging to continue work on sensitive issues such as border demarcation and confidence-building measures. The talks mark a significant shift as Russia, historically central to the conflict's mediation, was notably absent, reflecting both countries' efforts to distance themselves from Moscow amid its diminished influence due to the Ukraine conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia's support for the peace process, emphasizing the treaty's importance for regional stability. Observers highlight that the evolving diplomatic dynamics, including Armenia's recent engagement with Turkey and Azerbaijan's military successes, signal a changing power balance in the South Caucasus. The ongoing negotiations remain crucial for shaping the future stability and geopolitical landscape of the region.