Azerbaijani, US officials discuss peace process with Armenia, COP29 cooperation

On September 18, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with a delegation led by US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia, Joshua Huck.

The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and the US, as well as addressing regional developments in the post-conflict period, the Foreign Ministry told Caliber.Az.

The Ministry reported that both sides discussed the ongoing process of normalizing relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. They also highlighted the collaboration between the two nations in preparation for the 29th session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which Baku is set to host this year.

During the meeting, Bayramov expressed concern over the biased stance of certain US officials, specifically referencing a recent statement by US Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman.

Coleman’s remarks, made on September 16 at the Armenian Embassy in Washington, were criticized by Bayramov as disrespectful to Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

He emphasized that her comments distorted facts regarding Azerbaijan's anti-terrorist operations aimed at ending the illegal presence of Armenian forces in the country’s sovereign territories.

The minister provided an update on the normalization process with Armenia, reiterating that Azerbaijan remains committed to initiating peace and stability in the region.

He also underscored the lingering mine threat and the potential for US-Azerbaijani cooperation in addressing it.

Despite significant progress in peace negotiations, Bayramov pointed out that Armenia’s territorial claims, embedded in its legislative and political framework, pose a major obstacle to the signing of a peace treaty.

He further emphasized that Armenia’s policy of militarization undermines regional peace and stability.

By Khagan Isayev