US: Direct dialogue key to achieving lasting peace in South Caucasus

The US continues to believe that direct dialogue is key towards reaching a durable and dignified peace in the South Caucasus region, State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said.

He made the remarks at a regular briefing on June 7, Caliber.Az reports per the US State Department.

Commenting on the prospects of the upcoming talks between Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers in Washington, Patel noted that he’s looking forward to hosting another round of talks

“We look forward to hosting another round of talks in Washington as the parties continue to pursue a peaceful future in the South Caucasus region. You’ve heard the Secretary and others speak to this. We continue to believe that direct dialogue is key towards reaching a durable and dignified peace,” he said.

To recap, talks between Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan were held on May 1-4, 2023 in US’s Arlington, Virginia.

The foreign ministers first met bilaterally and were later joined by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Later, on May 3, Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers held another meeting with the mediation of the US President's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

As a result of the talks, Blinken said that a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia was within reach.