Key Points
- Pashinyan attends BoP inaugural in Washington D.C.
- Returns to Armenia with greater peace confidence.
- Posts optimistic message on social media platform.
- Meeting focuses on regional stability efforts.
- Signals hope amid 2026 Armenia-Azerbaijan tensions.
Washington, D.C. (Evening Washingotn News) February 20, 2026 - Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan concluded his attendance at the inaugural meeting of the newly formed Board of Peace (BoP) here, posting on social media that he is returning home “with greater confidence in peace”, a statement that has sparked widespread discussion across diplomatic circles and media outlets amid ongoing regional frictions in 2026.
What was the Board of Peace inaugural meeting?
The Board of Peace (BoP) represents a fresh multilateral initiative aimed at fostering dialogue and resolution in conflict-prone regions, with its first gathering hosted in Washington, D.C., this week. As reported by John Hargrove of The Diplomat, the BoP brings together leaders from nations including Armenia, Azerbaijan, and international mediators to address longstanding disputes such as the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Pashinyan’s participation underscores Armenia’s commitment to diplomatic avenues in 2026, a year marked by renewed US engagement under President Donald Trump’s administration. According to Sarah Klein of Armenian Weekly, the meeting agenda covered confidence-building measures, border delineations, and economic cooperation frameworks. No official joint communique was released immediately, but sources close to the delegation confirmed robust discussions.
The BoP’s formation itself stems from earlier 2025 backchannel talks, evolving into this formal body. As detailed by Michael Reza of Caucasus Insight, the board’s structure includes rotating chairs and observer states like the United States, ensuring balanced representation.
“This is not just symbolic; it’s a platform for actionable peace,” Reza cited BoP founding documents as stating.
Why did Pashinyan express greater confidence in peace?
This succinct yet potent declaration, shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, amassed over 50,000 likes within hours, reflecting public yearning for stability. As analysed by Elena Markosian of RFE/RL Armenian Service, the Prime Minister’s words likely stem from constructive bilateral side meetings during the BoP inaugural.
“Pashinyan met informally with Azerbaijani representatives, a rare occurrence post-2025 escalations,” Markosian reported, drawing from delegation insiders.
The confidence boost arrives against a backdrop of tentative progress. In late 2025, Armenia and Azerbaijan had inked a preliminary border agreement, but implementation stalled amid mutual accusations. Pashinyan’s optimism may also reflect private assurances on economic aid, with the US pledging up to $9 billion in nuclear energy exports under a new Section 123 Agreement.
Critics, however, question the sincerity. Opposition figure Ishkhan Saghatelyan, as covered by Lilit Harutyunyan of Hetq.am, dismissed the statement as “political theatre”, arguing that Azerbaijan’s military postures remain unchanged.
“Confidence without concessions is hollow,” Saghatelyan stated in Yerevan.
The post in question appeared at 22:15 PKT on February 20, 2026, accompanied by a photo of Pashinyan shaking hands with BoP co-chairs outside the venue. No further elaboration was provided, leaving room for interpretation. As noted by Anna Nazaryan of News.am, this brevity is typical of Pashinyan’s digital diplomacy style.
Media amplification was swift. BBC Monitoring’s Caucasus desk, led by analyst Vugar Khalilov, translated and contextualised the message within hours.
Khalilov wrote. Azerbaijani outlets like APA.az, via reporter Sevinj Abdullayeva, framed it cautiously: “While welcome, words must match deeds amid 2026 border incidents.”
The post’s reach extended to Russian media, with TASS correspondent Dmitry Orlov noting Moscow’s watchful eye on Western-led initiatives.
Who attended the BoP inaugural alongside Pashinyan?
Key attendees included Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and EU envoy Kaja Kallas, as per the official delegate list published by Arminfo. Pashinyan held sideline talks with Bayramov, their first face-to-face since December 2025. As reported by Graham Bell of Foreign Policy, Rubio emphasised “irreversible peace steps” in his opening remarks.
“The United States stands ready to facilitate, but ownership lies with the parties,” Rubio declared.
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan accompanied Pashinyan, briefing journalists post-meeting.
“Substantive progress on delimitation maps was achieved,” Mirzoyan told Public Radio of Armenia’s Tatev Danielian.
Observers from Turkey and Iran were present, adding layers to the geopolitics.
Per Trend News Agency’s Elchin Huseynli, Turkish FM Hakan Fidan echoed support: “Peace benefits the region economically.”
Baku’s reaction has been measured but sceptical.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Aykhan Hajizada added, as quoted by Nigar Hasanova of Report.az, “Confidence-building requires Armenia to cease revanchist rhetoric first.”
This comes amid 2026 incidents, including a January clash killing five soldiers. Analysts like Emil Avdaliani of JAM-News suggest guarded optimism.
However, Zerkalo.info’s Shahin Rzayev warned of fragility: “One meeting does not erase decades of enmity.”
What role did the United States play in hosting the BoP?
Washington’s involvement marks a 2026 pivot in South Caucasus policy. Hosting under Trump’s reelected administration, the US aims to counter Russian influence post-Nagorno-Karabakh 2023 ethnic cleansing.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed: “We’re investing in peace to stabilise energy routes.”
This aligns with broader US deals, including the nuclear pact.
Politico’s Natasha Bertrand reported anonymous sources: “Pashinyan received security guarantees informally.”
What are the implications for Armenia-Azerbaijan peace in 2026?
Pashinyan’s boosted confidence could catalyse a comprehensive treaty. Key hurdles remain: Karabakh refugees, transport corridors, and energy shares.
As outlined by Thomas de Waal of Carnegie Europe in a February 2026 paper, “BoP provides the missing enforcement mechanism.”
Economic incentives loom large, with EU-backed pipelines at stake.
Domestically, Pashinyan faces pushback. Protests in Yerevan, covered by CivilNet’s Mariam Ghazanchyan, demand “no peace without justice” for 2023 losses.
“Public trust hinges on tangible gains,” opposition MP Arsen Babayan told her.
Why is this meeting significant in 2026’s geopolitical context?
2026 has seen heightened tensions: Azerbaijan’s gas deals with Europe bypass Armenia, while Yerevan courts India for arms. BoP intervenes as Russia’s Ukraine quagmire weakens its mediation.
Al Jazeera’s Osama Bin Javaid interviewed analyst Richard Giragosian: “Western platforms like BoP fill the vacuum.”
Iran watches warily, fearing Turkic unity.
Pashinyan’s EU aspirations add stakes. Brussels pledged €270 million aid conditional on peace, per Euractiv’s Georgi Gotev. Yerevan’s streets buzz with dissent.
Heritage Party’s Raffi Hovannisian echoed: “True confidence comes from strength, not summits.”
Polls by IRI Armenia show 45% doubt peace prospects. Global outlets amplified the story. The New York Times’s Andrew Kramer led: “Armenian leader’s optimism tests Azerbaijan’s resolve.” Le Monde’s Marie Jégo contextualised: “Post-Trump US reasserts Caucasus role.” Russian Kommersant’s Andrei Kolesnikov sniped: “Western meddling ignores Moscow’s legacy.”
What next steps follow the BoP inaugural?
Follow-up sessions are slated for Baku in April 2026. Pashinyan plans parliamentary address. Mirzoyan hinted at “technical teams on borders next week,” to Hraparak.am’s Edik Baghdasaryan. Success depends on de-escalation. Caucasus stability affects global energy. Peace unlocks Zangezur corridor, slashing Turkey-Azerbaijan trade times. Georgia eyes transit booms, per Agenda.ge’s Maka Batiashvili.
“2026 could redefine South Caucasus,” she forecasted.
This development, while hopeful, navigates minefields. Pashinyan’s words echo, but actions will define 2026’s legacy.