Washington: President Ilham Aliyev’s recent visit to the United States has marked a significant milestone in Azerbaijan-U.S. relations, with the suspension of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act. This development comes as President Aliyev met with U.S. President Donald Trump and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Washington, where they engaged in discussions and signed important documents. The visit was highlighted by President Trump presenting the symbolic White House key to President Aliyev, a gesture rarely extended by the U.S. leader. President Trump’s executive order to suspend the enforcement of Section 907 was a momentous event for Azerbaijan, as noted by Zarifa Guliyeva, Chair of the ‘Modern Development and Family’ Public Union and a member of the Veterans’ Council of the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP), in a statement to AZERTAC.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Guliyeva emphasized that the waiver of Section 907 reflects a shift in U.S. attitudes toward Azerbaijan and underscores the
effectiveness of President Aliyev’s political strategy. The waiver is seen as a rectification of long-standing biases against Azerbaijan, previously fueled by pro-Armenian congressmen. The decision elevates bilateral cooperation and is anticipated to strengthen Azerbaijan’s global standing. The agreements reached during the visit are expected to have historic significance and contribute to normalizing relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Guliyeva described the suspension of Section 907, which limited direct U.S. aid to Azerbaijan, as a historic event. The section was originally adopted by the U.S. Congress in 1992, based on accusations that Azerbaijan was blockading Armenia during a period when Azerbaijani territories were occupied by Armenian forces. Guliyeva highlighted the unjust nature of the amendment, noting Azerbaijan’s experiences of ethnic cleansing during that time.
Despite these challenges, Azerbaijan maintained its commitment to independence and international cooperation, particularly under
the leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. The country’s integration into the global community has been recognized and appreciated, leading to previous waivers of Section 907 by past U.S. presidents, including George W. Bush in 2001. However, the Biden administration reinstated the section, influenced by the Armenian lobby, which strained bilateral relations.
The publication of President Trump’s memorandum in the ‘Federal Register’ marks a new chapter in Azerbaijan-U.S. relations. The waiver of Section 907 is regarded as a testament to the strategic partnership between the two countries, signaling a promising future for their diplomatic and cooperative endeavors.