Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan has stated that the Zayed Human Fraternity Award is not only a celebration of the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace deal, but also a clear confirmation that the era of conflict between the two countries has come to an end.
Speaking at the award ceremony in Abu Dhabi, Pashinyan said that accepting the honor would have been meaningless if Armenia and Azerbaijan had not genuinely turned the page of confrontation. He emphasized that the decision of the award’s international judging committee represents a strong act of support from the global community for peace in the South Caucasus.
The Armenian Prime Minister highlighted the symbolic significance of the award, noting that it was established jointly by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and His Holiness the Pope, reflecting the support of both the Muslim and Christian worlds for peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He stressed that “unbelievable things happen when there is belief, devotion, vision and wisdom.”
According to Pashinyan, the peace deal became possible because both Armenia and Azerbaijan recognized that the conflict had to be stopped immediately, otherwise it would continue indefinitely, bringing renewed suffering to both societies. While the award is formally presented to the leaders of the two countries, he underlined that it truly belongs to the peoples of Armenia and Azerbaijan.
“The leaders have taken bold steps, but it is the willingness of our peoples to embrace a new future that makes this historic moment possible,” Pashinyan said, adding that the award honors every Armenian and Azerbaijani who dared to hope for peace.
He acknowledged the deep mistrust, anger and pain caused by years of conflict, noting that many families who lost loved ones may find such a ceremony difficult to accept. However, he stressed that continued suffering and violence cannot serve as respect for the victims. “Peace is the only relief for all. Peace is the biggest respect for victims,” he said.
On the occasion of receiving the Honorary Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, Pashinyan expressed special gratitude to Donald Trump, describing his personal engagement and commitment to peace as a key factor in achieving the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace deal. He added that he hopes to one day attend a ceremony honoring Trump with the Nobel Peace Prize.
The Armenian Prime Minister also conveyed his appreciation to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as to the founding father of the United Arab Emirates, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, thanking them for their role in promoting peace and human fraternity.
