MOSCOW — Azerbaijan and Armenia have made significant progress in peace negotiations, with nearly 80% of the peace treaty text already agreed upon, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said on Friday.

Speaking at an international forum in Cernobbio, Italy, Aliyev expressed optimism about the prospects for peace in the South Caucasus, highlighting the recent advancements in the discussions between the two nations.

"Recent developments in the negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia show that we are on the path to peace. We are actively continuing discussions, and almost 80% of the peace treaty text has already been agreed upon," Aliyev stated, emphasizing the positive momentum in the dialogue.

The Azerbaijani president also noted that both Baku and Yerevan have started the process of border delimitation, marking a significant step in normalizing relations.

"And not just delimitation, but also demarcation. Although it's a small first step - only a 13-kilometer section of our border, which spans over 1,000 kilometers, has been agreed upon - it is a step in the right direction," he emphasized.

Aliyev expressed hope that Azerbaijan's initiative to commence peace negotiations will ultimately lead to the signing of a comprehensive peace treaty, which he believes "will be significant not only for the South Caucasus but for the entire world." He underscored the importance of these developments as crucial steps toward lasting peace in the region.

Relations between Baku and Yerevan have been tense since 1991, when the Armenian military occupied Karabakh, a territory internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, and seven adjacent regions.

Most of the territory was liberated by Azerbaijan during a 44-day war in the fall of 2020, which ended after a Russian-brokered peace agreement that opened the door to normalization and the demarcation of their border.

Last September, Azerbaijan secured full control over Karabakh after a military operation led to the surrender of separatist forces in the region. The ongoing border negotiations are part of a broader effort to finalize a peace treaty and foster stability in the South Caucasus.

The peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia has garnered international attention, with many viewing it as a potential model for conflict resolution in other regions. — Agencies