No:261/23, Press release on the telephone conversation between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Elnur Mammadov and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Erika Olson
14 May 2023 21:00
On 14 May 2023, a telephone conversation was held between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Elnur Mammadov and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Erika Olson.
During the telephone conversation, the sides discussed Azerbaijan-US bilateral relations, the current situation in the region, and steps taken towards the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Deputy Minister Elnur Mammadov stated that Azerbaijan, as the side that put forward the main initiative towards normalization with Armenia, including the signing of a future peace agreement, is interested in the successful conclusion of the process. Despite this, it was emphasized that Armenia’s efforts to hinder the peace process, including its latest military provocations in the border area resulting in casualties, are aimed at undermining international efforts on negotiations.
Erika Olson, in turn, stated the importance of establishing peace and stability in the region and the necessity of signing a peace agreement for this purpose. She stated that the US side is always ready to support these negotiations conducted between Azerbaijan and Armenia on a bilateral basis.
During the telephone conversation, an exchange of views was conducted on other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.