Aliyev hails US-Azerbaijan strategic charter as 'historic' milestone

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has hailed the Strategic Partnership Charter signed between Baku and Washington as a watershed moment in bilateral relations. Speaking at a digital architecture event in the capital, Aliyev said the document, finalized during US Vice President JD Vance's visit to Baku, elevates ties to an unprecedented level and reflects months of intensive joint work.

Beyond traditional cooperation

The Azerbaijani leader emphasized that the charter extends far beyond conventional security and energy partnerships. "Everyone can see what it consists of, including data centers, digitalization, artificial intelligence, and our close ties with American companies in this area," Aliyev stated. He described these emerging technology sectors as significant advantages for Azerbaijan's development strategy. The agreement formalizes cooperation across multiple domains while opening new avenues for engagement with US corporate partners.

Peace process and regional stability

Aliyev expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump and Vice President Vance for their role in facilitating peace efforts between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He noted that the two South Caucasus nations have maintained six months of peaceful coexistence following a US-backed agreement. Vance commended Aliyev's leadership on the peace agenda and announced enhanced maritime security cooperation, including the delivery of patrol boats to protect Azerbaijan's Caspian Sea territorial waters.

Transport corridors and strategic alignment

Discussions during Vance's visit also covered the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) transport corridor, energy security, defense cooperation, and economic ties. The charter signals Washington's deepening engagement with Baku as a strategic partner in the Caucasus and Caspian region. For Türkiye, which maintains close fraternal relations with Azerbaijan, the strengthened US-Azerbaijan partnership carries positive implications for regional connectivity and energy corridors linking the Caspian to Europe via Turkish territory.