In an interview with France 24, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that the conflict with Armenia is over and peace between the countries has already been achieved, despite the need to resolve formal issues before signing a final agreement. He recalled the signing of the historic declaration at the White House in August 2025, attended by the US President.

Aliyev noted that tensions have been calm on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border for over six months, and Baku has lifted restrictions on the transit of goods to Armenia. He stated that for a final peace treaty to be reached, the Armenian Constitution, which contains territorial claims to Karabakh, must be amended. Aliyev also emphasized the importance of the TRIPP project, which will connect Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan and create new economic opportunities.

Regarding the pardoning of convicted Armenian separatists from Nagorno-Karabakh, the president stated that this was impossible. Regarding relations with France, Aliyev linked them to Paris's support for separatist sentiments in Karabakh, emphasizing that Azerbaijan is not the initiator of these disagreements. He also noted that, following a recent positive meeting with the French president, both countries are committed to normalizing relations, despite past difficulties.