Azerbaijan, US Explore Expanded Cooperation in Trade, Energy and Connectivity

Baku, The Gulf Observer: Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov addressed an executive roundtable hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in New York, bringing together senior corporate leaders and representatives of major U.S. companies on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The discussions focused on Azerbaijan’s geostrategic importance and the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and the United States following the 2025 Washington Summit, with emphasis on further strengthening bilateral relations in key areas.

Minister Bayramov briefed the participants on Azerbaijan’s foreign policy priorities and developments since the restoration of its independence. He also outlined the key pillars of the Azerbaijan-U.S. strategic partnership and areas of bilateral cooperation, including trade, investment, energy, economic development, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, connectivity and other fields of mutual interest.

The minister also provided an update on regional developments, including the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization process.

Addressing the progress achieved following the August 2025 Washington Joint Declaration and initialed Peace Agreement, Bayramov highlighted practical confidence-building measures, including the lifting of transit restrictions and the launch of direct bilateral trade interactions between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

He underscored the importance of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) in facilitating unimpeded connectivity between mainland Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, while contributing to regional connectivity, trade and economic integration.

Bayramov further highlighted Azerbaijan’s role as a regional connectivity hub through the Middle Corridor and the Digital Silk Way, emphasizing their significance for expanding trade and digital links between regions.

The meeting also examined the implementation of joint working groups on trade, energy, artificial intelligence and connectivity following the inaugural U.S.-Azerbaijan Economic Dialogue. The dialogue resulted in more than $8 billion in commercial commitments through over 10 signed agreements.

The participants also discussed major strategic developments in the energy sector, including partnerships between Azerbaijan and U.S. companies, and explored opportunities for expanding economic cooperation in areas of mutual interest.