President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Washington, undertaken at the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump, carries strategic and historic significance as the beginning of a new stage in Azerbaijan–U.S. relations. This visit is not merely part of diplomatic protocol, but a political event that deepens the substance and scope of bilateral cooperation. The agenda is shaped by two main directions: the development of Azerbaijan–U.S. bilateral relations and the advancement of the Azerbaijan–Armenia peace process.
Washington visit: The path to strategic partnership
One of the most significant outcomes of the visit is expected to be the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the United States of America. This document will strengthen the legal and political framework of the strategic partnership and structure cooperation in three key areas: First, regional connectivity, encompassing energy, trade, and transit routes — further reinforcing Azerbaijan’s leading role in global energy security and international transport networks. Second, investment in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure — deepening innovation and technological partnership. Third, the defense industry, arms supply, and counter-terrorism enhance mutual trust in the field of security and contribute to regional stability. This visit serves as a crucial diplomatic platform both for elevating bilateral relations to the level of a strategic alliance and for ensuring sustainable peace in the South Caucasus.
The visit will deepen political, economic, and security cooperation
Former Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Tofiq Zulfugarov told APA that the Azerbaijani President’s visit to Washington holds great significance.
He stated that Azerbaijan–United States relations had gone through tense periods at certain times: “This tension caused dissatisfaction in Azerbaijan, and the official Baku consistently sought to restore relations and bring cooperation back to a normal course by using the tools of foreign policy. The main significance of the Washington visit lies precisely in this – Azerbaijan has now succeeded in elevating its relations with the U.S. to a high level. In other words, the previous chill in relations has been eliminated, and the parties have entered a new stage of strategic cooperation. Within the framework of the visit, it is planned to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Azerbaijan and the Government of the United States of America. This will pave the way for discussions in several areas – primarily at the level of political and strategic cooperation, U.S. investments in artificial intelligence technologies, new investments in Azerbaijan’s energy sector, strengthening cooperation in security and defense, as well as initiatives that will contribute to resolving domestic issues. In this regard, the visit will be a very important step.”
Azerbaijan–Armenia peace process enters a new stage in Washington
The second main objective of the U.S. visit is to advance the Azerbaijan–Armenia peace agenda and achieve a final agreement. In this context, the parties’ agreement on the text of the peace treaty, the process of border delimitation, the use of the Zangezur Corridor, and the removal of territorial claims from the Constitution of Armenia are among the key priorities.
The former foreign minister recalled that another purpose of the visit is related to advancing negotiations on the resolution of the Armenia–Azerbaijan conflict and implementing the peace agenda: “First of all, it should be noted that Azerbaijan maintains its position regarding the peace treaty, and the signing of this document will only be possible if amendments are made to the Constitution of Armenia in line with Azerbaijan’s condition. In other words, at the current stage, the signing of the peace treaty is not envisaged within the framework of this visit. However, in support of this document and the principles reflected in it, a trilateral declaration will also be adopted. This will be a demonstration of political will, showing that the U.S., the Azerbaijani leadership, and the Armenian leadership are determined to resolve the issues through peaceful means. The trilateral declaration will also envisage the procedure for the peace treaty to be initialed by the foreign ministers. The meaning and significance of such an event lie in the fact that the parties, as a result of negotiations carried out over the years, will officially sign a document that has been agreed upon.”.
Trump’s initiative holds diplomatic value
The progress in peace talks between the two countries and the decision to continue the negotiations at the White House at the initiative of U.S. President Donald Trump is also being positively received by the Armenian public.
Armenian political commentator and journalist Natali Aleksanyan told APA that negotiations serving genuine and lasting peace should be welcomed.
“Any negotiations that serve genuine and lasting peace should, of course, be welcomed. However, we must not forget that the foundation of peace must begin from within—through the restoration of justice, internal cleansing, and the rebuilding of public trust. Without holding the members of the Karabakh clan accountable, it is impossible to speak of real peace, as for years they have distorted the truth through political and economic manipulations. If justice requires that they be handed over to Baku for the crimes they have committed, then this issue should also be put on the agenda. Initiatives by Trump or any other international actor may carry diplomatic significance,” she said.
American political expert Peter Tase told APA that President Ilham Aliyev’s historic visit to the White House at the invitation of Donald Trump strengthens the Azerbaijan–U.S. strategic partnership and opens a new chapter in regional stability, energy security, and the peace agenda.
“President Ilham Aliyev’s historic visit to the White House at the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump is regarded as the beginning of a new stage in Azerbaijan–U.S. relations. This long-anticipated meeting not only expands the scope of strategic cooperation between the two countries but also holds great significance for regional stability, energy security, and multilateral diplomacy.
From the start of his presidency, Donald Trump has consistently put forward initiatives aimed at bringing peace and prosperity to the South Caucasus. In his vision, Azerbaijan occupies a special place due to its key geopolitical role. President Ilham Aliyev’s state governance and results-oriented policies, in many respects, mirror Trump’s leadership style.
Azerbaijan has proven itself to be a reliable partner of the United States, particularly during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, when its loyalty to the West was evident. This position was highly valued by the Pentagon, and Azerbaijan has been recognized as one of the main pillars of stability in the South Caucasus.
Under President Aliyev’s leadership, economic reforms, infrastructure projects, and active foreign policy have strengthened Azerbaijan’s status as a regional leader. Energy projects, green development initiatives, and active participation in multilateral platforms have further enhanced the country’s international reputation.
At the White House meeting, key discussion topics will include deepening bilateral cooperation, launching new projects in the energy and technology sectors, and advancing the peace agenda in the South Caucasus. This visit confirms that the partnership, built on mutual respect and shared interests, is entering a new stage," he said.
Azerbaijan and Armenia agreed on the dissolution of the Minsk Group
The OSCE Minsk Group is considered meaningless to continue, as it has failed to deliver tangible results in resolving the conflict over many years. From Azerbaijan’s perspective, its dissolution is necessary to conduct the peace process through more transparent and effective mechanisms.
Tofiq Zulfugarov noted that Armenia and Azerbaijan have jointly agreed to request the dissolution of the Minsk Group: “The parties will officially send this request to the OSCE. Such important matters show that Azerbaijan’s foreign policy has achieved one of its most significant diplomatic successes since 2020, and in this regard, peace and cooperation will be established in the region. Azerbaijan and Armenia will send a joint notification to terminate the OSCE Minsk Group’s activities. This is a symbolic step, as de facto, its activities have already ceased. However, such a joint action by Armenia and Azerbaijan carries great political and symbolic significance. It means that the conflict is over and the parties have chosen the path of post-conflict peace. Such a joint trilateral statement will be a political event that further strengthens the joint declaration of the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia. The conflict has ended, the post-conflict period has begun, and this opens the way for an era of cooperation.”
Natali Aleksanyan also stated that the OSCE Minsk Group is now a structure of the past and that its dissolution has a symbolic nature.
“The Minsk Group did not prove itself to be an effective mechanism over the years, and its dissolution is more symbolic than practical. What truly matters is the content of the Peace Treaty,” she said.
Zangezur Corridor: The main condition of the peace treaty and a new stage in regional geopolitics
One of the main conditions for signing a peace agreement with Armenia is the opening of the Zangezur Corridor, which will provide a direct and unhindered connection between the main part of Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan, and making it operational within the framework of international agreements. If these conditions are met, it will be possible to sign the peace treaty and ensure long-term stability in the region.
Tofiq Zulfugarov noted that the special document planned to be signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia aims to change the region’s geopolitical landscape by ensuring Azerbaijan’s unhindered use of the Zangezur Corridor, thereby strengthening domestic connectivity, transit opportunities, and regional cooperation.
“At the same time, the signing of a special document in Washington is also planned. This document is aimed at ensuring Azerbaijan’s unhindered use of the Zangezur Corridor, a goal of great importance and strategic significance for our country. This will allow Azerbaijani citizens to travel freely from one part of the country to another. In addition, the use of this route for transit purposes is also of major significance. The restoration of the corridor, its financing, and its use for commercial and trade purposes are also part of the plans. In this regard, commercial negotiations among the three parties are envisaged.
In general, following the meeting, it is planned to establish several working groups covering various fields, which, with the support of the United States, will work to clarify the topics and finalize the negotiations. It is expected that by early next year these issues will be resolved in practical terms and the negotiations concluded. It should also be noted that the developments to take place in the first half of October could completely change the geopolitical situation in the region.
Russia and Iran, which currently hold opposing positions on this issue, could also benefit from the restoration of the Zangezur Corridor if they adopt a constructive approach—namely, through the railway connection within the North–South Transport Corridor. During the Soviet period, through the existing railway line in the city of Julfa, this corridor could extend from Scandinavian countries to the Gulf. Such a connection could benefit Pakistan, India, the Gulf states, the Scandinavian countries, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia.
This is an important development for the region, and I am confident that, if implemented, it will create real conditions for a transition from confrontation to cooperation. The Zangezur project is not merely the restoration of a railway or a highway—it is a major event that signifies the beginning of a new era. The United States will support this project and approach it as its own initiative. There is even a possibility that it could be nominated for the Nobel Prize. Interestingly, this project is supported and highly valued not only by Republicans but also by some members of the administration in Congress,” he said.
According to the Armenian commentator, the opening of any route or corridor must be carried out within the framework of Armenia’s legislation and Constitution.
“International monitoring can be considered as a temporary security mechanism, provided that it aligns with Armenia’s interests and the inviolability of our borders,” she concluded.
