The recent visit of the US Vice President to Azerbaijan marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations. The visit demonstrated Washington’s continued engagement in the South Caucasus and its intention to deepen cooperation with Baku, writes Parvana Valiyeva, member of the parliament of Azerbaijan, member of the Foreign and Inter-Parliamentary Relations Committee.
The signed Charter between US and Azerbaijan establishes a long-term framework for collaboration across three key areas: energy and regional connectivity, including trade and transit; economic investment, particularly in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure; and security cooperation, including defense and counterterrorism. The implementation of this Charter is expected to accelerate infrastructure development, expand energy investments, and facilitate mutually beneficial economic cooperation that enhances prosperity for the people of both countries through creating new jobs and business opportunities.
Economic cooperation was at the center of the visit. Ahead of J.D.Vance’s visit, President Ilham Aliyev hosted a delegation from the US Chamber of Commerce representing companies from energy, transport, technology, and food sectors.
Regional connectivity also featured prominently. Discussions included the next steps toward operationalizing the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity will provide unimpeded, multimodal connection between the mainland Azerbaijan and its exclave – the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. This project aims to link railways, roads, pipelines, electricity transmission, and digital infrastructure across Eurasia, transforming the South Caucasus—particularly through TRIPP—into a hub for trade and investment along the Trans-Caspian Transport Route (The Middle Corridor). As President Ilham Aliyev has stated, the region should become a space of cooperation rather than confrontation.
The visit underscored that economic integration, digital transformation, and infrastructure development are increasingly shaping the bilateral agenda. The strengthened strategic partnership positions Azerbaijan as a key regional partner for the US and supports broader goals of stability, connectivity, and sustainable growth across the South Caucasus.
