President Ilham Aliyev receives US Congressional delegation in Baku PHOTO

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received a delegation from the United States on January 4, highlighting the growing momentum in bilateral relations and regional peace efforts.

The U.S. delegation included Senator Markwayne Mullin, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Republican senator from Oklahoma; Jason Smith, Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means and Republican congressman from Missouri; Ronny Jackson, Republican congressman from Texas; and Jimmy Panetta, Democratic congressman from California and a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, Caliber.Az reports via the state media.

Expressing their gratitude for the reception, the members of Congress said they were deeply impressed by the development processes they observed in Baku. They also congratulated President Aliyev on the achievements reached in Washington regarding the advancement of the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

President Aliyev thanked the delegation for their congratulations, describing the agreements reached as historic. He particularly emphasised the role of U.S. President Donald Trump in supporting the peace process. The head of state reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to continuing efforts aimed at ensuring lasting regional peace.

Noting practical progress in regional cooperation, President Aliyev said that trade relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia have already been established. He highlighted that Azerbaijani oil products are exported to Armenia, while wheat from Kazakhstan and Russia is transported to Armenia through Azerbaijani territory. The President expressed hope that the TRIPP corridor would open up new opportunities for regional transport connectivity.

During the meeting, President Aliyev also addressed Section 907 of the U.S. Freedom Support Act, describing it as unjust and inconsistent with the current stage of bilateral relations. He welcomed President Trump’s decision to suspend the enforcement of Section 907 and expressed hope that members of Congress would continue efforts to ensure its complete abolition.

Both sides praised the positive dynamics in Azerbaijan–U.S. relations and noted significant potential for expanding cooperation in political, economic, energy, defence and defence industry, education, information technologies, artificial intelligence and other fields.

The meeting also featured an exchange of views on prospects for strengthening cooperation between the legislative bodies of the two countries.