Azerbaijan, U.S. Congressman Discuss Strategic Partnership, Regional Security and Connectivity

Baku, The Gulf Observer: Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, met with Abraham Hamadeh, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, during the latter’s visit to Azerbaijan on June 17, where the two sides discussed bilateral relations, regional security, energy cooperation and post-conflict developments in the South Caucasus.

During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on the current state and future prospects of Azerbaijan–United States relations, as well as regional and international security issues, energy security, transport connectivity and the evolving situation in the South Caucasus.

Bayramov highlighted the significance of the Washington Summit held last August, describing it as a milestone that elevated bilateral relations to a new level. He noted that the Charter on Strategic Partnership signed between Azerbaijan and the United States provides a strong framework for expanding cooperation in political dialogue, economic development, energy security and regional stability.

The foreign minister also referred to the inaugural Azerbaijan–U.S. Economic Dialogue, during which 10 cooperation agreements covering trade, investment, energy, transport, digital development and other sectors were signed, reflecting the growing scope of bilateral engagement.

The discussions underscored the importance of implementing the TRIPP project, which is expected to enhance regional transport and communication networks and ensure seamless connectivity between mainland Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

Addressing future prospects for bilateral cooperation, both sides emphasized the importance of removing existing restrictions hindering deeper collaboration. In this regard, Bayramov stressed that the complete repeal of Section 907 of the U.S. Freedom Support Act would be consistent with the spirit of the strategic partnership between the two countries and would facilitate broader cooperation in security, energy, transport, economic development and regional stability. He noted that the provision reflects an outdated approach that no longer aligns with current geopolitical realities or the present level of Azerbaijan–U.S. relations.

Bayramov also highlighted Azerbaijan’s longstanding contribution to European and global energy security, outlining the country’s ongoing investments in both conventional and renewable energy sectors. He pointed to significant opportunities for enhanced cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United States in the energy field.

The minister further emphasized the strategic importance of Azerbaijan’s relations with Central Asian countries and its full membership in the Central Asia Consultative Meeting, noting extensive prospects for cooperation within the C6 framework.

The meeting also covered the Azerbaijan–Armenia normalization process. Bayramov briefed the U.S. congressman on ongoing peace efforts, as well as reconstruction and restoration projects being carried out in territories liberated following the conflict.

The two sides concluded their discussions by exchanging views on a range of other regional and international issues of mutual interest.