Washington: The United States and Azerbaijan on Monday signed a strategic partnership charter during a visit by US Vice President JD Vance to Baku, marking a new phase in relations between the two countries and underlining Washington’s growing role in the South Caucasus.
The agreement was signed after talks between Vance and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Officials said the charter sets a framework for deeper cooperation in areas such as energy, trade, security, technology and regional stability.
According to US officials, the partnership is aimed at expanding economic ties and supporting Azerbaijan’s role as a key energy supplier, while also strengthening cooperation on counterterrorism and defence. As part of the agreement, the United States is expected to provide new security assistance, including patrol boats to support Azerbaijan’s maritime security.
Vance said the charter reflects a shared interest in peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus, a region that has seen decades of tension. He praised recent steps taken by Azerbaijan and Armenia toward reconciliation, saying stability in the region is essential for economic growth and international trade.
The visit to Baku came after Vance travelled to Armenia as part of a broader US diplomatic push to support a peace process between the two neighbours. Washington has been seeking to play a more active role in the region, where Russia has traditionally held strong influence.
Azerbaijani officials welcomed the agreement, saying it signals stronger political trust and opens the door for long term cooperation with the United States in both civilian and security sectors.
The strategic partnership charter is expected to guide bilateral relations in the coming years, with follow up meetings planned to turn the commitments into concrete projects.