A number of countries welcome peace deal between Armenia and  Azerbaijan

ArmInfo.  A number of countries and government officials welcomed the achievement of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Specifically, Italian Deputy Prime Minister  Matteo Salvini, commenting on the preliminary signing of the peace  treaty in Washington, noted that this is a historic turning point and  a sign of hope. "When diplomacy replaces weapons, it is always good  news. Let this step be a positive sign for other war zones around the  world, especially on the eve of the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska on  August 15. Today, more than ever, everyone should strive for one  thing: peace,"  he wrote.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu emphasized that the deal between  Armenia and Azerbaijan marks an important milestone in ending decades  of hostility. "We congratulate both sides, as well as the US  President for helping open the path for peace, reconciliation  and  greater prosperity in the region," she wrote.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto noted that the  Azerbaijan-Armenia peace agreement is a major step for the Caucasus  and global security. " Once again, Donald Trump proved to be the  president of peace.  We hope that after Pakistan-India, Iran-Israel  and Azerbaijan-Armenia conflicts, the  Russia- Ukraine war will also  be brought to en end," the Hungarian Foreign Minister emphasized.

The Austrian Foreign Ministry also issued a statement, noting that  what happened in Washington is an important step towards  peace  between Armenia and Azerbaijan. "We support the initialing of  a  peace agreement for the benefit of the whole region. Austria stands  ready to assist in next steps," the Austrian state agency noted.

 European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood  Policy Marta Kos noted  that this is a decisive step towards lasting  peace and stability. "I look forward to my upcoming visits to Armenia  and Azerbaijan and stand ready to support the normalization process  and regional connectivity," she stressed. 

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy also congratulated the signing  of the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He stressed  that he highly appreciated the role of President Trump in ensuring  this progress. "As I  told James David Vance (US Vice President), the  UK stands ready to support  peace in the South Caucasus, as both  sides honor their commitments," Lammy noted.

The Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry also welcomed the peaceful  settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. In its statement, the  ministry expressed hope that this agreement will mark the beginning  of a new stage of mutual understanding, cooperation, as well as  strengthening security and stability between Armenia and Azerbaijan,  which will serve the interests of the two peoples and the entire  Caucasus region.

The Qatari Foreign Ministry expressed its support for all efforts  aimed at reducing tensions and resolving conflicts through diplomatic  means, as well as strengthening the foundations of peace, development  and prosperity at the regional and international levels. Welcoming  the preliminary signing of the peace agreement between Armenia and  Azerbaijan mediated by the United States, the Qatari Foreign Ministry  expressed hope that this agreement will mark the beginning of a new  stage of cooperation between the two countries based on the  principles of good neighborliness.

NATO Spokesperson Allison Hart also issued a statement on the  preliminary signing of the agreement.  "We welcome progress towards  peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan and thank the US President  Donald Trump for his investments in peace," she noted.  According to  Hart,  this is a significant step forward for the normalization  process and the regional security.