Baku: The first Azerbaijan-U.S. Economic Dialogue, a collaborative initiative by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Economy and the U.S. Department of State, took place on June 2, coinciding with Baku Energy Week, APA reports. This inaugural event was co-chaired by Azerbaijani Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs Caleb Orr. The dialogue aimed to enhance economic and commercial cooperation under the U.S.-Azerbaijan Charter on Strategic Partnership, bringing together government representatives, international financial organizations, and private sector participants.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Azerbaijani Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov highlighted the dynamic development of Azerbaijan-U.S. relations and the critical role of the Charter on Strategic Partnership in strengthening economic ties. He emphasized the potential to expand trade through initiatives such as the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity and the Middle Corridor. Opportunities in energy security, critical mineral supply chains, and investments in transport, logistics, and digital infrastructure were also discussed.
U.S. Assistant Secretary Caleb Orr expressed the commitment of both nations to increasing business, trade, and economic investment opportunities. He referenced the Charter on Strategic Partnership signed in February by Vice President Vance and President Aliyev, underscoring the importance of strengthening bilateral economic relationships. Orr anticipated positive outcomes from the dialogue, leading to further economic cooperation.
The dialogue featured panel sessions addressing regional connectivity, trade and transit, energy security, investment, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure. Discussions included the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, the Trans-Caspian Trade Route, and Azerbaijan's business environment. Energy security sessions focused on cooperation in the Southern Gas Corridor and electricity interconnections, while investment panels promoted two-way investments in transport, logistics, energy, and digital technologies.
The artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure panel explored U.S. technology solutions and potential cooperation on data centers and AI applications. Emphasis was placed on expanding partnerships and promoting investments to foster a growing digital ecosystem.
Meetings were also held with business representatives to highlight the importance of private sector cooperation and new partnerships. The event concluded with the announcement that Baku will host the World's second U.S. AI Week this year.
Minister Jabbarov and Assistant Secretary Orr witnessed the signing of documents related to digital infrastructure, technology transfer, and industrial solutions. Jabbarov stated that the dialogue, held under the Strategic Partnership Charter, will expand economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and the U.S., building on the vision of Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Donald Trump. A framework agreement on critical minerals cooperation was also signed, marking a new chapter in economic collaboration.