BAKU, Azerbaijan - President Ilham Aliyev received a high-level delegation on January 9, including Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, and members of the judging committee for the "Zayed Award for Human Fraternity." The delegation included Charles Michel, former President of the European Council, and Moussa Faki, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
According to Operative Information Center-OMM, the guests expressed their gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the reception. They announced that the 2026 "Zayed Award for Human Fraternity" would be presented to President Ilham Aliyev in recognition of his significant efforts toward achieving peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The delegation formally invited the head of state to the solemn award ceremony scheduled for February 4 in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
The "Zayed Award for Human Fraternity" was established based on the Document on Human Fraternity signed by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed el-Tayeb, and the late Pope Francis. The award promotes the humanitarian legacy and values of the founder and former President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The jury noted that the peace model between Azerbaijan and Armenia, developed after extensive research into global conflict resolution, serves as an exemplary precedent for other regions facing war and instability.
During the meeting, Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, stated: "On behalf of the jury, I would like to say that the work Your Excellency has done to achieve success on the peace agreement inspires us all and is a magnificent example of peace for conflict zones in various parts of the world."
Charles Michel, member of the jury and former President of the European Council, added: "I believe that the peace agreement you are implementing together with Armenia is a very strong signal for the countries of the world. Despite past and present suffering, there is a common will to look to the future with optimism. We appreciate your leadership and want to demonstrate our support for all your efforts to make this peace agreement a reality."
Moussa Faki, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission, also congratulated the President: "You have demonstrated the courage to move forward and establish peace and stability. Until recently, we observed bloodshed, but now you show the world what courage and peace consist of."
President Ilham Aliyev thanked the jury for their high assessment of Azerbaijan's peace efforts and accepted the invitation to Abu Dhabi. He emphasized that despite the suffering and sacrifices faced by the Azerbaijani people during the period of occupation, the country has demonstrated strong political will to establish sustainable peace. The President noted that the peace agreement was drafted by Azerbaijan and presented to Armenia.
President Ilham Aliyev stated: "As you correctly noted, peace will bring stability and prosperity to the entire region. Looking at the recent past, our case is somewhat unique. The journey from the last bloody battles to peace took two years. We demonstrated strong political will for the final establishment of peace, and we are already seeing its fruits."
The head of state highlighted that peace has moved into a practical phase, including in the field of trade. In this context, President Ilham Aliyev noted the historical significance of the agreements reached on the peace agenda during the Washington meeting on August 8, 2025, and highly appreciated the efforts of US President Donald Trump in this matter.
President Ilham Aliyev added: "We are getting used to living in peace. It is a pleasant feeling to know there is no more war, no more victims, and no more blood being shed. You can do more for the people, the country, development, and stability. To achieve peace, you need strong political will. You must desire it not just in words, but in deeds."
The President also emphasized his close fraternal relations with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, noting that being honored with an award named after the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is a double honor for him. He requested the delegation to convey his gratitude to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and the Pope for their support of the regional peace agenda.
