Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken recently engaged in a phone conversation with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, as confirmed by Spokesperson Matthew Miller. During the call, Secretary Blinken commended President Aliyev for the recent agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan to use the 1991 Alma Ata declaration as the basis for border delimitation, emphasizing its significance in achieving a lasting and respectful peace between the two nations.

The Secretary urged President Aliyev to maintain the positive momentum with his Armenian counterpart and reiterated the United States' readiness to assist in these efforts. Additionally, Secretary Blinken highlighted the importance of a robust U.S.-Azerbaijan bilateral relationship, citing collaboration on shared objectives in energy, climate, and connectivity, as well as the upcoming COP 29 in Baku.

Furthermore, Secretary Blinken welcomed Azerbaijan's decision to place Gubad Ibadoglu under house arrest as a humanitarian gesture and urged for his prompt and full release. The Secretary also reiterated the importance of Azerbaijan upholding its international human rights obligations by releasing individuals who are unjustly detained in the country.

The conversation between Secretary Blinken and President Aliyev underscores the ongoing diplomatic efforts to foster peace, cooperation, and respect for human rights in the region.