Washington (TDI): The United States and Azerbaijan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday to establish a Strategic Partnership Working Group. The agreement aims to deepen cooperation on political, economic, energy, and security issues while promoting mutual interests in the South Caucasus region and beyond.
The MoU was signed during high-level discussions in the US capital, where senior officials from both governments emphasized the importance of renewed dialogue and strategic alignment in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
Representing the United States was Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O’Brien, while Deputy Foreign Minister Fariz Rzayev led the Azerbaijani delegation.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the United States of America regarding the establishment of a Strategic Working Group to develop a Charter on Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the… pic.twitter.com/bzUDVrrrjG
— Ilham Aliyev (@presidentaz) August 29, 2025
“The signing of this MoU is a testament to the enduring partnership between our two countries,” said O’Brien. “We look forward to working closely with Azerbaijan to advance shared goals related to energy security, regional stability, economic development, and democratic reforms.”
According to the agreement, the Strategic Partnership Working Group will serve as a platform for regular consultations, allowing both nations to coordinate on a broad range of issues.
Topics of focus include energy cooperation, especially Azerbaijan’s role in diversifying Europe’s energy sources, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, trade expansion, and educational exchange programs.
Rzayev welcomed the initiative, calling it “a timely and necessary mechanism for structured dialogue and strategic cooperation.” He emphasized Azerbaijan’s commitment to peace and prosperity in the region, including efforts toward post-conflict reconstruction and normalization of relations with Armenia.
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The MoU comes amid shifting regional dynamics, particularly following recent developments in the South Caucasus. It also underscores Washington’s continued interest in engaging with partners in Eurasia to counterbalance competing influences and foster long-term regional stability.
Analysts view the agreement as a pragmatic move that could pave the way for increased US engagement in the region, while enabling Azerbaijan to balance its foreign relations amid growing ties with both Western and regional powers.
While no immediate policy changes were announced, both sides agreed that the first meeting of the Strategic Partnership Working Group will take place later this year, with working-level consultations expected to follow.
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