"The meeting between the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the Vice President of the United States, along with the joint statements issued, should be assessed as the beginning of a significant and new stage in our country's foreign policy."
These views were expressed by Vasif Gafarov, a member of the Milli Majlis (National Assembly), in a statement to "Operative Information Center-OMM".
The MP stated that the meeting was not merely of a protocol nature; rather, it demonstrates that Azerbaijan–US relations have entered a deeper strategic phase. According to him, the fact that a global political and economic power like the US approaches relations with Azerbaijan in this context is a clear indicator of the country's growing international prestige and geopolitical significance.
Gafarov emphasized that in recent years, Azerbaijan has distinguished itself with an independent, balanced, and pragmatic foreign policy model:
"Our state builds parallel and equal relations in both Western and Eastern directions, based on national interests and without dependence on any power center. President Ilham Aliyev's emphasis that relations have entered a 'completely new stage' is the result of a deliberate and consistent diplomacy."
The lawmaker noted that the Strategic Partnership Charter signed during the meeting shows that relations between the two countries will develop on a systematic and long-term basis. In his view, this document is of great importance in terms of strengthening Azerbaijan's security interests, expanding economic ties, and deepening technological cooperation. In particular, attracting US investments and advanced technologies to the national economy will contribute to the development of the non-oil sector and increase economic resilience.
Gafarov also drew attention to the role Azerbaijan plays in energy security. He stated that strategic projects such as the Southern Gas Corridor have made real contributions to European energy security and consolidated the country's status as a reliable energy partner. According to the MP, the entry of relations with the US into a new phase indicates that this role is being further strengthened.
At the same time, it was noted that Azerbaijan's transport and logistics capabilities are increasing its geostrategy importance. The East-West and North-South transport corridors, the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway, and the Baku International Sea Trade Port confirm that Azerbaijan has become one of the main transit hubs in the region. The MP believes that the expansion of cooperation with the US, under the administration of US President Donald Trump, will open new perspectives in this field.
Vasif Gafarov also highly appreciated the US position regarding the Azerbaijan–Armenia peace process. He stated that the new realities created after the 44-day Patriotic War have been moved to a peace plane as a result of Azerbaijan's strong political will and diplomatic initiatives, and the peace model based on international law is now supported by international partners.
According to the MP, all these processes serve to further strengthen Azerbaijan's international image, and the country is accepted as a partner committed to creating stability and reliable, long-term cooperation.
In conclusion, Gafarov emphasized that the meeting between President Ilham Aliyev and the US Vice President and the signing of the Strategic Partnership Charter is another successful manifestation of the foreign policy course aligned with Azerbaijan's national interests and will contribute to the further strengthening of the country's international positions.
Background and Context
Azerbaijan and the United States established diplomatic relations in 1992, following Azerbaijan's restoration of independence. Over the decades, the partnership has evolved from a focus on energy security and counter-terrorism to a broader strategic cooperation encompassing regional stability and economic diversification. The signing of a Strategic Partnership Charter represents a formalization of these ties, aligning Baku's role as a pivotal Caspian hub with Washington's interests in the Middle Corridor—a trade route connecting Europe and Asia that bypasses traditional northern routes. This diplomatic milestone occurs as Azerbaijan continues to lead regional integration efforts and finalize a sustainable peace framework in the South Caucasus.
