President Ilham Aliyev Awarded Gernika Prize for Peace and Reconciliation
Baku, The Gulf Observer: President Ilham Aliyev has been awarded the prestigious Gernika Award for Peace and Reconciliation in recognition of his efforts to promote peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to encourage dialogue, according to a statement shared by the Azerbaijani leader.
The award was conferred by the Town Councils of Gernika-Lumo and Pforzheim, in cooperation with the Gernika Peace Museum, Casa de Cultura, and the Gernika Gogoratuz Peace Research Center. The presentation coincided with Gernika Victims’ Remembrance Day on April 26, marking the anniversary of the tragic bombing of the Spanish town during the 20th century.
In his message, Ilham Aliyev expressed profound gratitude for the honour, describing it as a significant recognition of efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and reconciliation in the South Caucasus region.
He noted that the award carries deep symbolic meaning, as it commemorates the victims of the Gernika tragedy and highlights the importance of remembering the devastating consequences of war. President Aliyev stressed that crimes against civilians represent a violation of humanity and reaffirmed his solidarity with the victims of the historic event.
Highlighting the broader message of peace, the Azerbaijani leader underscored that the lessons drawn from past conflicts must guide future generations toward building a more stable and secure world.
Reflecting on Azerbaijan’s own experience, Ilham Aliyev said the country had endured nearly three decades of conflict and therefore deeply understands the value of peace and reconciliation. He noted that Azerbaijan is now adapting to a new reality shaped by peace, following recent diplomatic progress.
The President referred to the summit held in Washington, D.C., in August 2025, where Azerbaijan and Armenia initialed a peace agreement and signed a Joint Declaration, effectively ending the long-standing conflict and laying the groundwork for cooperation and partnership.
He added that the evolving peaceful environment has enabled Azerbaijan to focus on development priorities, while also facilitating regional cooperation, including the transit of goods such as petroleum products and agricultural commodities through its territory to Armenia.
President Aliyev emphasized the importance of confidence-building measures, including engagement between civil societies and continued dialogue at the state level, as essential components for achieving durable peace.
He noted that the experience of Azerbaijan and Armenia demonstrates that even prolonged conflicts marked by suffering and mistrust can be resolved through strong political will and international support.
Concluding his message, Ilham Aliyev described the Gernika Award not only as recognition of past achievements but also as a responsibility to continue advancing peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding at the international level.
