US State Department Statement on Blinken - Aliyev Phone Call

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a phone conversation with the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. This was announced by Ned Price, spokesperson for the US State Department.

“The Secretary and President Aliyev discussed the recent positive dynamics on the path to establishing peace in the South Caucasus and future concrete steps, including issues related to border delimitation and demarcation, opening transport and communication links, as well as the release of remaining Armenian detainees,” the statement said.

It was noted that Blinken reaffirmed that the United States is ready to assist the two countries in reaching a long-term comprehensive peace on a bilateral basis and with like-minded partners, including as a co-chair country of the OSCE Minsk Group.

“The Secretary also emphasized the importance of strengthening respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and highlighted the crucial role Azerbaijan continues to play in European energy security,” Price noted.