Hajiyev says Armenia peace efforts open new chapter in Azerbaijan-US ties

U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to secure peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia have changed the strategic landscape of the South Caucasus and opened a new chapter in relations between Baku and Washington, Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev said.

“President Trump and his coming to office have completely changed the cooperation and partnership between the United States and Azerbaijan. Most importantly, it is peace. And he brought peace to the South Caucasus region,” Hajiyev said in an interview with Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy.

Hajiyev described Trump’s August 8, 2025 White House meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan as a “historic moment”, saying Trump’s political support helped Baku and Yerevan advance the peace process.

He compared the potential significance of the agreements reached between the two South Caucasus countries with the Camp David accords in the Middle East.

On Iran, Hajiyev said Azerbaijan continued to see scope for a diplomatic solution despite heightened regional tensions and was ready to contribute to efforts to prevent a broader confrontation.

“We believe there is a greater chance to resolve all outstanding issues peacefully,” he said, adding that Baku maintained its policy of non-interference in Iran’s internal affairs and wanted peace and stability in its neighbour.

Hajiyev said Azerbaijan and Israel cooperated in defence, technology, education and agriculture, among other areas, and highlighted the role of Azerbaijan’s Jewish community in the country’s public life.

On the Russia-Ukraine war, Hajiyev said Azerbaijan maintained relations with both Moscow and Kyiv and viewed the conflict as a tragedy. Baku would be ready to contribute to peace efforts if the parties sought its assistance, he added.

He also highlighted Azerbaijan’s role in European energy security, saying the country currently exports natural gas to 16 countries and supplies European markets through the Southern Gas Corridor.

Hajiyev said Washington and Baku had also agreed to work on a new memorandum on strategic partnership.

“President Trump and President Ilham Aliyev have proposed a new era of strategic partnership between the United States and Azerbaijan,” Hajiyev said, adding that Azerbaijan would remain a “reliable partner” for the United States.