Azerbaijan.US
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump demonstrated clear commitment to Azerbaijan’s peace agenda, Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration, said in an interview with The Washington Times.
In an article focusing on peacebuilding efforts between Azerbaijan and Armenia, steps toward repealing Section 907 in the U.S. Congress, Baku’s relations with Moscow, and Azerbaijan–Israel ties, The Washington Times noted that the U.S. president’s prompt response to Azerbaijan’s peace initiatives deserves particular attention, citing Hajiyev.
At the same time, Hajiyev stressed that the continued existence of Section 907 works against peace.
“Both governments – Azerbaijan and Armenia – are working intensively to strengthen peace. However, some in Congress are introducing completely unnecessary legislative initiatives that contain elements of discrimination,” he said.
Hajiyev also stated that the policies of the Biden–Blinken administration caused serious damage to U.S.-Azerbaijan relations. According to him, the period of improved bilateral ties during the Trump administration stands in sharp contrast to the approach taken by the previous administration.
“Unfortunately, under the Biden and Blinken administration, there were numerous misunderstandings, and significant harm was done to the relationship,” he noted.
He recalled that the Biden administration reinstated Section 907 restrictions immediately after the end of the Afghanistan mission. As an example of constructive cooperation with the Trump administration, Hajiyev pointed to its decisive role during Trump’s first presidency in advancing the Southern Gas Corridor project, which enabled Caspian gas supplies to reach European markets.
Addressing Azerbaijan’s efforts to build economic ties with Armenia, Hajiyev highlighted the export of petroleum products and the facilitation of grain transit to Armenian markets.
“This may appear symbolic, but beyond symbolism, there are genuinely important geopolitical dimensions. We are building peace not only with the Armenian government, but also with the Armenian people,” he said.
Emphasizing Azerbaijan’s long-standing tradition of religious tolerance, Hajiyev described the country as a natural partner for the West in a volatile region.
“Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities have lived side by side here for centuries. This is our tradition and our identity. Our commitment to the peace agenda is strong, and we have the full support of the Trump administration,” he added.
