A warm gesture at the Silk Way Star finale symbolized reconciliation between Azerbaijan and Armenia

A sentimental moment demonstrating the warming of relations between Baku and Yerevan occurred during the final of the Silk Way Star music competition in Astana. Azerbaijani jury member Samira Efendi and Armenian finalist Saro Gevorgyan embraced, and Azerbaijan awarded Armenia the highest score (12 points).

Efendi addressed warm words to Gevorgyan. This episode is especially significant given the two countries' recent statements of commitment to peace, including the signing of a declaration renouncing military confrontation in August and Nikol Pashinyan's gratitude to Baku for its support of the Almaty Declaration as a basis for a peaceful settlement.