Patel Comments on Aliyev's Refusal to Travel to Spain

The U.S. State Department representative commented on President Aliyev's refusal to travel to Spain for a meeting with Prime Minister Pashinyan, acknowledging that President Aliyev will not attend the proposed gathering in Granada.

In response to the question of why Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev refused to go to Granada, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said:

“We have consistently stated that dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan is crucial for resolving this long-standing conflict... We continue to believe that dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan is incredibly important for finding dignified and sustainable peace in the South Caucasus. That is why the Secretary of State is personally engaged, continuing to speak with partners and counterparts in both countries.”

Additionally, Turkey welcomed Azerbaijan’s decision not to participate in the meeting in Granada regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. This was announced by the spokesperson of the ruling Justice and Development Party, Omer Celik. “Mr. Aliyev canceled his trip to Spain because the condition for Turkey’s participation in the meeting was not accepted,” he said, continuing: “France, Germany, the EU, and Armenia are participating in the meeting, and they invite Azerbaijan, but Turkey is not there; can you imagine?”