Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met in Bishkek on August 31 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. During their talks, which lasted over an hour, the leaders discussed the further development of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, trade, border issues, and transportation projects.

In particular, Aliyev and Pashinyan exchanged views on expanding economic, trade, and energy cooperation between the two countries. They also welcomed contacts between representatives of the Armenian and Azerbaijani business communities. Furthermore, the leaders discussed the supply of Azerbaijani petroleum products to Armenia and the transit of grain and other goods from third countries through Azerbaijan. The parties cited the development of trade ties between the two countries as one of the practical results of the peace process.

The work of the state border delimitation commissions was a separate topic. The parties stated the need to continue this work in accordance with previously reached agreements. The interlocutors also discussed further steps related to the implementation of the TRIPP (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity) transport project. Pashinyan and Aliyev emphasized the importance of infrastructure projects related to this route.

The meeting also touched on contacts between parliamentarians and civil society representatives of the two countries. Aliyev and Pashinyan commended such meetings and noted their role in strengthening mutual trust.

Following the talks, the leaders agreed to continue direct bilateral contacts and take further steps to strengthen peace and further normalize bilateral relations.