US Vice President James David Vance paid an official visit to Azerbaijan, where he met with President Ilham Aliyev. Following the meeting, the two sides signed the Charter on Strategic Partnership between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the United States of America.
In a joint statement to the press, President Aliyev said that relations between the United States and Azerbaijan are entering a “completely new stage.” He noted that the signed document outlines multiple areas of bilateral cooperation, including security, counterterrorism efforts, and energy security.
Aliyev stated that the charter had been developed over a six-month period and described it as the result of “sincere and consistent work.” He placed particular emphasis on cooperation in the security sphere, noting that Azerbaijan and the United States will continue close coordination on counterterrorism operations.
On energy, Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s role in Europe’s energy security, noting that the country currently supplies natural gas to 16 states, 11 of which are NATO members and US allies.
“The signing of today’s strategic partnership charter is the result of sincere cooperation,” Aliyev said.
He also thanked the US administration and former President Donald Trump for their contribution to the peace process in the Caucasus, stating that the region is now “living under conditions of peace.” “Where there was once conflict, we will create prosperity,” he added.
Vice President Vance said that the United States and Azerbaijan share a long-standing strategic partnership. He particularly highlighted the role of Azerbaijani troops in Afghanistan, noting that they were among the last to leave the country and had earned a strong professional reputation while serving under difficult conditions.
Vance also focused on economic cooperation, referring to the ongoing TRIPP project. He said the initiative would create additional economic opportunities for Azerbaijan and facilitate more efficient exports of natural resources and strategic minerals.
Vance said that deeper economic cooperation and improved infrastructure connectivity would play an important role in ensuring the sustainability of a potential peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
“We want the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia to be durable,” Vance said, adding that cultural and economic exchanges between societies are among the key factors in preventing future conflicts.
“Working together creates far more prosperity than confrontation,” he noted.
Vance also underlined Azerbaijan’s regional importance, noting that President Aliyev maintains close relations with both Turkey and Israel, which he said further strengthens Azerbaijan’s diplomatic role in the region.
Both sides said the new strategic partnership framework is intended to serve as a foundation for strengthening bilateral relations and promoting long-term peace and economic development in the South Caucasus.
