Blinken Affirms Support for Armenia's Sovereignty and Peace Efforts in Talks with Pashinyan & Aliyev

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has engaged in separate conversations with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, reinforcing the United States' commitment to facilitating a durable peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

During his discussion with Prime Minister Pashinyan, Blinken emphasized the unwavering support of the United States for Armenia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The talks centered on efforts aimed at achieving a lasting and dignified peace agreement between the neighboring nations. In a press statement relayed by US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller, Blinken articulated the US's dedication to bolstering bilateral cooperation with Armenia, aligning with the country's aspirations for a prosperous and democratic future.

"The Secretary reaffirmed the United States’ ongoing support for Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and outlined efforts to increase bilateral cooperation with Armenia as we work to support its vision for a prosperous and democratic future," Miller stated in the press release.

Similarly, Blinken engaged in a separate conversation with Azerbaijani President Aliyev, expressing appreciation for Aliyev's commitment to reaching a durable and honorable peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Acknowledging the longstanding suffering caused by the conflict between the two nations, Blinken highlighted the potential benefits that a peaceful resolution could bring to the entire region.

Miller conveyed Blinken's discussion points, highlighting the Secretary's recognition of the hardships faced by both Azerbaijanis and Armenians due to the protracted conflict. Additionally, Blinken emphasized the US's enduring relations with Azerbaijan, acknowledging recent areas of concern in the relationship while emphasizing the importance of strengthening cooperation, particularly concerning the peace process.

"The Secretary recognized the suffering that this long-standing conflict has caused Azerbaijanis and Armenians alike and underscored the benefits that peace would bring to everyone in the region," said Miller in the press statement. "The Secretary discussed our enduring relations with Azerbaijan, noted recent points of concern in the relationship and also spoke about opportunities to strengthen cooperation, especially around the peace process, and the importance of high-level engagement."

Blinken's diplomatic engagements reflect the United States' active involvement in the region, reiterating its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Armenia while emphasizing the importance of a peaceful resolution between the two nations.