President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan has expressed his belief that Washington could play a crucial role in facilitating fresh negotiations between Baku and Yerevan, thereby contributing to the normalization of relations. During a meeting with James O’Brien, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, President Aliyev emphasized that the comprehensive peace agreement and the complete withdrawal of Azerbaijani occupation forces from Nagorno-Karabakh have created a conducive environment for a peaceful settlement. The president’s statement, released on the Azerbaijani President’s website, asserted that the United States, by exploring new opportunities, has the potential to contribute to the peace process.

In addition to his call for US involvement in the Azerbaijani-Armenian conflict, President Aliyev also underscored his country’s role in ensuring energy security in Europe as well as the expansion of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the countries of Central Asia. Moreover, Aliyev expressed his optimism that the United States is willing to mediate and promote fresh talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan to advance the peace process.