Blinken Holds Phone Call with President Ilham Aliyev

Baku, The Gulf Observer: On September 16, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a phone conversation with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, according to reports from NHC.

During the discussion, Secretary Blinken emphasized the critical importance of achieving a lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He affirmed the United States’ commitment to sparing no effort in pursuing this objective. Blinken welcomed the progress in the border delimitation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, noting the significance of the August 30, 2024 signing of the Regulation on joint activities of the border delimitation commissions as a positive development.

In response, President Aliyev asserted that peace had already been established in the region, highlighting the emergence of new realities and a status quo founded on justice and international law, largely as a result of Azerbaijan’s efforts. He further noted that Azerbaijan had initiated the peace treaty with Armenia and stressed the necessity for Armenia to renounce its territorial claims against Azerbaijan, which are currently reflected in its Constitution and other legislative documents. President Aliyev also called for the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group and related institutions, labeling them remnants of a bygone era.

Regarding the issue of border delimitation, President Aliyev underscored the positive outcomes achieved through the bilateral process and reaffirmed that future actions would be guided by the principles outlined in the recently signed Regulation.

Additionally, the leaders discussed Azerbaijan’s upcoming role as host of the COP29 summit. Secretary Blinken expressed the United States’ support for Azerbaijan’s successful hosting of the event and praised the close cooperation between the COP delegations from both countries. President Aliyev conveyed his optimism that a consensus, particularly on climate finance, would be reached within COP29, especially among developed nations.

The conversation also included an exchange of views on broader bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the United States, further reinforcing the close cooperation between the two nations on various issues.