The US Embassy in Baku released a video message from Philip Reeker, the US State Department's Special Ambassador for the South Caucasus, who completed his visit to Azerbaijan on November 29.
"Each time I return here, I see the economy, people's resilience, and opportunities for the entire South Caucasus region increasing. Secretary of State Blinken strongly believes in the possibility of achieving peace and the potential of the South Caucasus. Realizing the importance of geography, he asked me to visit the region. I am now in Baku, and from here, I will visit Tbilisi and Yerevan. Geography and history meet in this region. We know that the peace process is not easy. I know that the conflict has caused great hardship and suffering on both sides for years. But I believe there is hope, hope for a peaceful future. I hope the momentum gained during the peace talks can be maintained, and a new page of history can be opened to ensure a brighter future. I see real and bold steps being taken by both countries now that they are looking to the future and wanting to achieve lasting peace. I do," he said.
The diplomat recalled that, as State Secretary Antony Blinken noted, both countries are working to ensure a more prosperous and peaceful future in the South Caucasus: "The United States supports direct dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan and calls for the momentum achieved to be maintained in the new year. Real progress has been achieved, and peace promises a better and brighter future. I applaud the courage and determination needed to achieve peace."
On November 28, Caucasus Watch reported that Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, received Philip Reeker, the Chief Advisor of the US State Department, on Caucasus Negotiations. At the meeting, views on the meeting held in Washington at the level of foreign ministers regarding the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and negotiations on a peace treaty were exchanged. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's constant attention to the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan was highly appreciated.
