Donfried: Opening communications - important part of Azerbaijan-Armenia talks

The US is a reliable supporter of democracy in Azerbaijan and sees good opportunities for the development of peace in the region, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried said at a media briefing in Baku on June 16, Report informs.

Commenting on the question of journalists about the Zangazur Corridor, the US assistant secretary of state noted: "There are various elements to achieving peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. And one of those areas has to do with transit links and communication links, and that is a key part of the conversation. So it came up of course, in my discussions here in Azerbaijan, and it’s another area, that broad area of transit links and communication links where again it may be possible where the US can be helpful on that. So I think it is a key part of this peace process. And we certainly are hopeful that both countries will be able to move forward."

Donfried spoke about her June 15 meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and discussions about Azerbaijan’s place in the development of the South Caucasus.

President Ilham Aliyev sees it in peaceful development. The US intends to cooperate with the countries of the region to achieve lasting peace there, the assistant secretary of state said, adding that this is a good time to visit the country, when it marks 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and US.

According to Donfried, US President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken are in active contact with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Just for this, several telephone conversations took place between President Ilham Aliyev and the US secretary of state. She noted that her visit to the region and Baku is also an indicator of active US ties with Azerbaijan.

As part of the visit to the region, the assistant secretary of state will continue these discussions with other regional countries.

If the US succeeds in strengthening cooperation there, this will lead to the prosperity of the region, she said.