Azerbaijan sets course on borders, US ties, visa liberalization — FM

Issues concerning enclaves and exclaves between Azerbaijan and Armenia will be addressed within the framework of the ongoing border delimitation process, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said at a year-end press conference.

Bayramov noted that these matters remain a central focus for both sides and expressed confidence that further progress in delimiting the Azerbaijani-Armenian border would be achieved in 2026, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

“Delimitation is not simply a matter of holding periodic commission meetings. It is a complex, politically sensitive process involving numerous technical aspects. The key achievement so far is the agreement on a common approach: the process will move from north to south and will be carried out in stages. Issues related to enclaves and exclaves will also be resolved within this framework and remain a priority,” the foreign minister said.

Commenting on the export of Azerbaijani petroleum products to Armenia via Georgia, Bayramov said the initial tariff proposed by Tbilisi had been impractical.

“The tariff put forward by the Georgian side was very high. This raised concerns for Azerbaijan, as it did not correspond to established practice. Once the Georgian leadership became aware of the problem, it intervened, the situation changed, and the tariff issue was resolved. Tariffs are now being agreed between companies in line with market conditions,” he explained.

Bayramov also reported progress in US–Azerbaijan relations in 2025.

“We view the development of relations over the next three years (the period of President Donald Trump’s presidency-ed.) with great optimism. Regarding the next administration, we believe the benefits of improved US–Azerbaijan relations should not be felt solely in Baku. At the same time, at the end of 2025 it is still premature to speak about the long-term outlook. Nevertheless, I can already say that the dynamics of relations with the United States are very positive, and we hope they will continue to strengthen and that cooperation will expand,” he said.

The foreign minister added that the period of the Joe Biden administration could be characterized as lost time in relations with Azerbaijan. He also noted that Azerbaijan and the United States are close to finalizing the text of a Charter on Strategic Cooperation.

In addition, Bayramov said Azerbaijan continues efforts to abolish visa requirements with five countries.

“In recent years, visa-free regimes have been introduced with Albania, the United Arab Emirates, Serbia, Qatar, Morocco, and China. In 2025 alone, visa-free travel was ensured with 10 countries. Overall, agreements on diplomatic passports have been signed with 74 states,” he said.

Commenting on relations with Central Asian countries, FM Bayramov emphasized that they occupy a special place in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy.

By Vafa Guliyeva