U.S., Azerbaijan discuss expanding strategic energy cooperation

(Horizon Media) – Azerbaijan and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in the energy sector following meetings in Baku between Azerbaijani officials and a U.S. delegation led by Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs Caleb Orr.

According to Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov, discussions focused on the key priorities of the Azerbaijan-U.S. strategic energy partnership, regional energy security, the development of the oil and gas sector, energy connectivity projects and new opportunities for cooperation in the Caspian region.

On June 1, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev also received the U.S. delegation on the sidelines of the Baku Energy Forum. Aliyev welcomed the participation of American representatives at Baku Energy Week and expressed appreciation for a message from U.S. President Donald Trump to the event, describing it as a sign of the importance Washington attaches to the partnership.

The Azerbaijani president said bilateral relations have developed positively in recent years and highlighted the significance of the Azerbaijan-U.S. Strategic Partnership Charter, noting that cooperation mechanisms and working groups established under the framework have helped advance ties in various sectors. He also pointed to the upcoming first meeting of the Azerbaijan-U.S. Economic Dialogue as an important step in strengthening economic cooperation.

Orr conveyed greetings from President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while emphasizing that the U.S. administration views Baku Energy Week as an important platform for discussions on global energy developments. He also praised Azerbaijan’s role in regional energy markets and noted that the event brings together leading energy companies, government officials, investors and industry experts from around the world.

Both sides underscored the growing importance of energy cooperation and described Azerbaijan-U.S. relations as entering a new phase of development. The meeting also included discussions on a range of issues of mutual interest.