Washington: President Ilham Aliyev’s recent visit to Washington, invited by U.S. President Donald Trump, marks a strategic milestone in Azerbaijan-U.S. relations. More than a routine diplomatic engagement, this visit represents a significant political event aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation and advancing the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the visit is expected to yield a Memorandum of Understanding between Azerbaijan and the United States, which will bolster their strategic partnership. The agreement focuses on regional connectivity in energy, trade, and transit, investment in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, and cooperation in defense and counter-terrorism. This diplomatic engagement aims to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic alliance level and sustain peace in the South Caucasus.
Former Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Tofiq Zulfugarov emphasized the visit’s significance, noting that it addresses past tensions in Azerbaijan-U.S. relations and opens a new stage of strategic cooperation. The visit will facilitate discussions on political and strategic cooperation, U.S. investments in Azerbaijan’s technology and energy sectors, and initiatives to resolve domestic issues.
The second key objective of the visit is to advance the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace agenda, focusing on a peace treaty, border delimitation, and the Zangezur Corridor. Zulfugarov highlighted that the signing of a peace treaty hinges on amendments to Armenia’s Constitution. A trilateral declaration will demonstrate the commitment of the U.S., Azerbaijani, and Armenian leaderships to peaceful resolutions.
Armenian political commentator Natali Aleksanyan welcomed the progress, emphasizing the importance of justice and rebuilding trust for genuine peace. She acknowledged the diplomatic significance of Trump’s initiative in the peace talks.
American political expert Peter Tase described Aliyev’s visit as a historic step, strengthening the Azerbaijan-U.S. strategic partnership and paving the way for regional stability and energy security. He noted the visit’s role in launching new projects in energy and technology, confirming that the partnership is entering a new phase.
A significant outcome of the visit is the agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia to dissolve the OSCE Minsk Group, which has been ineffective in resolving the conflict. This joint decision symbolizes the end of the conflict and the beginning of post-conflict cooperation.
The Zangezur Corridor’s opening is a crucial condition for the peace agreement, offering a direct link between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan. Zulfugarov noted that the corridor’s development would enhance regional connectivity and cooperation, with potential benefits for Russia, Iran, and other countries.
Aleksanyan stated that any new routes must comply with Armenia’s laws, suggesting international monitoring as a temporary security measure aligned with Armenia’s interests.