Armenian pundit: Washington turns Baku into strategic energy partner

A recent agreement between Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR and American energy giant ExxonMobil, signed in Washington, is drawing attention not only as an energy partnership but also as a broader geopolitical signal, according to Armenian political analyst Suren Surenyants. 

"The US is strengthening its position in the South Caucasus, turning Baku into a strategic partner in the transit of Caspian Sea energy resources," Surenyants noted, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

He further pointed out that the timing of the agreement is particularly significant, as discussions are underway about the construction of the so-called “Trump Road” through Syunik (Zangezur).

“It is noteworthy that the memorandum is being signed at a time when the construction of the ‘Trump Road’ through Syunik (Zangezur — ed.) is being discussed, with the possible prospect of energy transit,” the analyst wrote.

Surenyants warned that Armenia may be sidelined in these developments unless it takes steps to assert its own interests and strategic vision.

"This is an alarming signal for Armenia: our territory may become the subject of a big game if we do not form our own agenda," he cautioned.

It should be noted that the mentioned memorandum was signed during Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Washington on August 7, during a meeting with Steve Witkoff, the US President’s Special Envoy. The agreement was formalised by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and ExxonMobil Vice President John Ardill, in the presence of both President Aliyev and Special Envoy Witkoff.

By Tamilla Hasanova