O’Brien announced that Washington is ready to organize a meeting between the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia, expressing hope that such a meeting will take place soon and that the US would be pleased to host and support the dialogue. The diplomat highly praised the effectiveness of direct contacts between Azerbaijan and Armenia, noting the role of the US as a friendly party in this process.
He also emphasized the official support of the US for Azerbaijan in hosting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), underscoring the importance of this event for addressing global climate issues. O’Brien noted that Azerbaijan has made significant progress in transitioning to renewable energy sources and mitigating the effects of climate change.
The diplomat highlighted the importance of recent agreements between Azerbaijan and Armenia, such as border demarcation and the return of villages to Azerbaijan, viewing them as significant steps towards long-term peace. He underscored the strategic importance of the “Middle Corridor” initiative, which aims to unite people and build trust in the region.
O’Brien addressed issues related to Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, stating that it does not hinder close cooperation between Washington and Baku. He affirmed the US’s commitment to strong working relationships, especially in the areas of security and cooperation.
The diplomat noted the crucial role of Azerbaijan as a natural gas supplier to Europe, particularly in light of European countries reducing their dependence on Russian gas. He highlighted the geopolitical significance of this shift, pointing out that Azerbaijan helps provide the necessary resilience for Europe’s energy transition.
O’Brien also commented on France’s decision to sell weapons to Armenia, clarifying that these actions were not coordinated with the US. He expressed optimism about the ongoing peace process and the deepening future relations between societies in the region.
The press briefing also touched on the economic benefits of regional cooperation, emphasizing the potential for improved security and facilitated transportation of goods through Azerbaijan to global markets. O’Brien’s statements underscore the US’s supportive stance towards Azerbaijan’s diplomatic and environmental efforts, marking an important moment in the region’s journey towards peace and sustainable development.
