Blinken and Aliyev discuss importance of advancing peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia

YEREVAN, April 4. /ARKA/. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev discussed the importance of advancing the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which will bring economic benefits to the entire region, said US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.

«Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today (April 3) with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.  The Secretary reinforced the importance of the U.S.-Azerbaijan bilateral relationship and highlighted a growing number of partnership initiatives, including energy and climate priorities.  Secretary Blinken and President Aliyev discussed the importance of advancing the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which would bring economic benefits to the entire region.  The Secretary underscored that there is no justification for increased tension on the border and cautioned that aggressive actions and rhetoric from any side would undermine prospects for peace. The Secretary reiterated the need for Azerbaijan to adhere to its international obligations and commitments regarding human rights and fundamental freedoms and urged the release of those unjustly detained.’ 

Blinken had the phone call with Aliyev ahead of a meeting between him, European Commission’s head Ursula von der Leyen and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan slated for April 5 in Brussels,

According to Aliyev’s press office, Blinken assured Aliyev that the talks are “not directed against Azerbaijan” and will focus on Armenia’s domestic agenda.-0-