US Acting Assistant Secretary of State: Azerbaijan is a strong partner country

“Azerbaijan is a strong partner country and the United States attaches great importance to the bilateral relations,” said US Acting Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Philip Reeker as he met with Azerbaijan`s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov in Baku.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov stressed the strategic nature of partnership between Azerbaijan and the United States and noted positive impact of mutual visits to the development of these relations.

US official Philip Reeker recalled with satisfaction a telephone conversation with the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Reeker expressed US regional interests and desire to be helpful in addressing the existing challenges in the region. The US official praised the agreement reached between Azerbaijan and Armenia on the cessation of hostilities and expressed concern over the recent developments in the region, including the tensions at the border. He also expressed regret over the recent death of two journalists and an official as a result of a landmine explosion. Philip Reeker stressed the desire of the United States to help to resolve existing tensions and referred to the efforts as co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group.

FM Bayramov informed Philip Reeker of the post-conflict situation in the region, non-interest of Azerbaijan in aggravating the situation and steps taken by Azerbaijan related to the implementation of the trilateral statement, as well as Armenia's irresponsible behavior, refusal to share information on mine maps and sending saboteurs to plant mines in the territory of Azerbaijan.

The sides exchanged views over various aspects of the bilateral cooperation agenda, as well as cooperation in the fields of energy and security.

During the meeting, the sides also discussed other issues of mutual interest.

AZERTAG