President Ilham Aliyev’s first official visit to the White House can be considered not only an important political event in terms of modern Azerbaijani diplomacy and foreign policy, but also a strategic gesture confirming that U.S.–Azerbaijan relations have entered a new phase. This visit is not merely a symbolic indicator of relations between the two countries, but also a confirmation of Azerbaijan’s growing role in shaping a new geopolitical architecture in the region.
A New Level of US-Azerbaijani Partnership
Since Donald Trump’s first presidency, a relationship based on mutual respect and political trust has been established between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Donald Trump. During the Trump administration, Azerbaijan's special significance in the White House's approach to the South Caucasus was felt more clearly. This was primarily due to Azerbaijan being the most powerful state in the region, ensuring its territorial integrity by restoring international law, and thereby contributing to the global security agenda.
It was precisely during that period that in the letters addressed by Donald Trump to President Aliyev, it was repeatedly emphasized that Azerbaijan is a strategic partner for the United States, and the importance of political will in the development of bilateral relations was particularly noted. These letters highlighted the development of bilateral cooperation, energy security, the fight against terrorism, and partnership in the field of regional stability as the main focus.
From long-term silence to strategic partnership
Adviser to the Academy of Public Administration under the President and Chairman of the Baku Political Scientists Club, Zaur Mammadov, emphasized in a statement to APA that Ilham Aliyev’s visit to the United States, amid Trump’s return to the presidency, marks the beginning of a new stage of strategic cooperation in Azerbaijan–U.S. relations after a long period of tension.
“For many years, Azerbaijan–U.S. relations have been tense and stagnant. Especially during Joe Biden’s presidency, Washington’s open support for Armenia and its biased policy towards Azerbaijan led to a crisis level in the relationship. During these years, Armenian leader Nikol Pashinyan made several visits to the U.S., while no such visits were observed from the Azerbaijani side.
However, this dynamic changed with Donald Trump’s election as president in November 2024. Trump’s emphasis on personal relationships and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s previously expressed positive opinions about his election created a foundation for mutual understanding between the two leaders.
In this context, Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Washington is not only a diplomatic event but also an indicator of the transition of relations to a strategic level. The meeting is expected to address issues such as energy cooperation, communication projects, and regional security. This visit holds significant importance in terms of ensuring stability in the South Caucasus and strengthening Azerbaijan’s geopolitical role,” the political analyst stated.
President Aliyev's White House visit: Azerbaijan's show of diplomatic power
American political analyst Peter Tase has described the planned historic meeting at the White House as a confirmation of President Ilham Aliyev’s visionary leadership and Azerbaijan’s global role in economic diplomacy, national security, and the energy sector.
In a statement to APA, he said that President Donald Trump’s position on the South Caucasus region differs significantly from that of previous administrations in U.S. history: “During his leadership and as part of his subsequent political activities, Trump placed special emphasis on establishing peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. His views clearly recognize Azerbaijan’s growing importance and geopolitical role on both regional and global scales. The leadership qualities and high-level statecraft experience of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev draw remarkable parallels with Donald Trump’s political governance style. Both leaders stand out for their decisive actions, approaches based on national interests, and strong political will. The mutual respect and understanding that has developed between them plays an important role in ushering in a new phase in bilateral relations. This planned historic meeting at the White House is not just a formal dialogue between two leaders—it is also a result of the successful foreign policy course Azerbaijan has pursued in recent years.”
Peter Tase noted that this meeting can be seen as a symbol of Azerbaijan’s strengthening economic diplomacy, enhanced national defense capabilities, and growing influence in international energy policy.
“Azerbaijan has become a key player in the region’s energy security. In particular, Azerbaijan’s functional role in the European Union’s energy supply shows how forward-looking the country’s energy policy is. The international energy projects initiated under President Ilham Aliyev are not only economically, but also strategically significant. In addition, in recent years, Azerbaijan has actively participated in a number of international and regional organizations, as well as launched important initiatives on a global scale. The proposals put forward by Azerbaijan in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Non-Aligned Movement, the UN, and other platforms reflect your country’s success in multilateral diplomacy. President Ilham Aliyev, by successfully continuing the political legacy of national leader Heydar Aliyev in this field, has transformed Azerbaijan into a modern and strong state. His strategic thinking, precise and consistent policy have further strengthened Azerbaijan’s international reputation. The upcoming White House meeting will not only breathe new life into bilateral relations, but also serve as another solemn confirmation of Azerbaijan’s growing role in global politics. It will once again showcase the achievements of Ilham Aliyev’s leadership, both domestically and internationally,” he concluded.
Messages and diplomatic gestures at the Shusha Forum
At the most recent Shusha Global Forum, President Ilham Aliyev expressed positive views about Donald Trump.
"I did not predict Trump's victory. I simply said that it would be preferable for the Azerbaijani people, given that he, like us, shares fundamental values, including family values. He is the only US president who has not started wars. And in his short time in office, it is clear that he is a man who ends wars. And we are also very grateful to him personally for his desire to help Azerbaijan and Armenia to come to an agreement in the end. Despite the fact that he is busy with more global issues of international security, he also keeps the situation in the South Caucasus in his field of view. We in Azerbaijan, of course, are glad that he won, for many reasons, and, of course, we wish him to see the matter through to the end, especially with regard to the “Washington swamp”, to drain it completely.
Donald Trump, in turn, shared President Ilham Aliyev’s remarks on his own Truth Social platform, demonstrating that the relationship continues at a strategic level. These mutual gestures are not only expressions of personal sympathy, but also clear signs of strengthened mutual trust between the two states.
The peace process and the constructive role of the United States
At a time when peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia are progressing, the position of the United States in this process holds significant importance. Particularly regarding the Zangezur corridor issue, Washington's approach is more economically and logistically oriented, constructive, and balanced in nature. This sharply contrasts with France’s, especially President Emmanuel Macron’s, unilateral and biased policy. The U.S. approach is aimed at making a real contribution to stability and sustainable peace in the region.
Zaur Mammadov stated that the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia is entering a new phase, and in this process, the U.S., especially Donald Trump’s reality-based position, encourages the formation of a just peace and geopolitical balance in the region.
“The peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia has intensified in recent months, and at this stage, the United States, particularly the Donald Trump administration, has begun to play a more active role. This U.S. activity encourages Armenia to act more constructively toward the opening of the Zangezur corridor and the signing of a peace agreement. For this reason, the Armenian lobby and the Armenian Congress in the U.S. have increased pressure on Trump. They accuse Trump on social media of sidelining Christian interests and claim he has not fulfilled his pre-election promises. However, it is known that in the 2024 elections, the majority of the Armenian electorate voted for the Democrats. Republicans, taking this fact into account, clearly understand that Trump’s position will not change. The stance of some congressmen calling to support Armenia actually stems from the influence of Armenian-supporting circles that want to add unrealistic demands to the negotiations. However, Trump sees the reality: the victorious side is Azerbaijan, and its calls for peace based on international law are of decisive importance for the region’s stability,” Zaur Mammadov added.
Aliyev-Trump-Pashinyan meeting: a historic chance
The planned trilateral meeting between President Ilham Aliyev, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan as part of President Aliyev’s visit to the U.S. at Trump’s invitation, along with the expected signing of a declaration of intent, present a historic opportunity to achieve concrete progress in the peace process. This meeting will also reaffirm the U.S.’s new mediating role in the region and could lay the foundation for a new model of political stability in the South Caucasus.
Political analyst Zaur Mammadov emphasized that the signing of a declaration of intent between Azerbaijan and Armenia would mark a historic step toward a just peace in the South Caucasus and represent a crucial phase in strengthening geopolitical balance and economic cooperation in the region.
According to him, if the trilateral meeting between Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the U.S. results in the signing of such a declaration, the document will become a turning point for the region.
“The declaration would imply Armenia’s formal renunciation of any claims regarding Karabakh, full implementation of all processes within the framework of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty, and recognition of the main provisions of a peace agreement. It would also signal Armenia’s willingness to open a new chapter in its relations with Azerbaijan. However, this process is causing concern within Armenia and the Armenian diaspora, as peace could lead to a reduction in fundraising and diminish the diaspora’s international influence. As a result, they are organizing campaigns and pressure mechanisms against the signing of the declaration. Meanwhile, the process could also pave the way for progress on the Zangazur corridor. Although the Armenian leadership approaches this issue with caution, reports indicate that a general understanding has been reached with Washington. Amid these developments energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and the U.S. is also expected to be on the agenda,” Mammadov noted.
Energy cooperation and the Trans-Caspian project
During the Trump administration, energy security was considered one of the top priorities in US-Azerbaijani relations. In particular, U.S. support for the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline project was seen as a significant step toward transporting Azerbaijan’s energy resources to Western markets. The project was of not only commercial but also strategic importance, reinforcing Azerbaijan’s role in U.S. energy diplomacy.
Zaur Mammadov underlined that the Trans-Caspian initiative and broader energy cooperation, driven by Azerbaijan’s initiative, represent a strategic vector that shapes the geopolitical and economic future of the South Caucasus, rooted in regional stability and international cooperation.
He emphasized that energy cooperation in the South Caucasus and the Trans-Caspian project hold significant importance for the region’s economic and geopolitical future: “Azerbaijan’s increasing gas exports to the European market and its strategic transit position present significant potential in this area. While TAP and other existing pipelines offer certain opportunities, further expansion of exports requires additional investment and strong regional political will. The inclusion of energy-rich countries such as Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan in this process could accelerate the implementation of the Trans-Caspian project. However, the European Union’s occasionally cautious political and economic stance has slowed progress in this direction. U.S. support for these processes and the active involvement of the Trump administration could contribute to reviving the project. Azerbaijan’s role as both an energy exporter and a transit country is becoming increasingly solidified. Projects such as the Zangezur Corridor and other regional initiatives are being realized amid new realities shaped by Azerbaijan’s initiatives. In this regard, achieving peace with Armenia, implementing constitutional reforms, and defining new forms of cooperation are essential for the region’s stability and development. Azerbaijan’s position is clear: a political order based on cooperation and the principles of sovereignty must be established, shaped by genuine interests rather than the dictates of external powers."
All these aspects once again confirm that Azerbaijan–U.S. relations are no longer limited solely to the spheres of energy and security. They have evolved into a deep and multifaceted partnership encompassing numerous strategic areas — from artificial intelligence to peace diplomacy. President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to the White House is a political embodiment of this partnership and a clear indication that Azerbaijan’s dialogue with global power centers has entered a higher stage. It also stands as further proof of Azerbaijan’s growing international influence.
