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.

France's President Emmanuel Macron stands with Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during an official welcome ceremony at the Invalides in Paris, France March 12, 2025. LUDOVIC MARIN/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo PARIS (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that the agreement of peace treaty terms between Armenia and Azerbaijan should open the way for a lasting peace deal in the region.

Armenia and Azerbaijan were locked in conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh for nearly four decades after the Soviet Union they were both members of collapsed.

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.

The United Arab Emirates has welcomed the announcement by the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia on concluding peace negotiations, and expressed hope that this historic step would consolidate bridges of communication,