Armenian and Azerbaijani officials said on Thursday that they had agreed the text of a peace agreement to end nearly four decades of conflict between the South Caucasus countries, a sudden breakthrough in a fitful and often bitter peace process.

But hurdles remain. Azerbaijan also said Armenia’s constitution must “eliminate the claims against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan,” as a prerequisite to allow for the signing of the peace treaty.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan (left) and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev speak at the BRICS summit in Russia in October 2024. The two sides announced on March 13, 2025, that the text of the peace agreement between them has been finalized, but it is unclear when, or even if, it will be signed. (Photo: Ramil Sitdikov/brics-russia2024.ru)