Baku: The visit of J.D. Vance, Vice President of the United States, to Baku is being viewed as an important political and geopolitical development in Azerbaijan-U.S. relations, according to Mahammad Mammadov, a regional security expert at the Topchubashov Center, in a statement to APA.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, one key indicator of the evolving Azerbaijan-U.S. relations is the open support expressed by Donald Trump, President of the United States, for Azerbaijan's peace agenda. An example of this support was the Azerbaijan-Armenia agreements signed in Washington on August 8 last year, with Trump as a witness.

Mammadov noted that Vance's visit to Baku could inject new momentum into this process and elevate bilateral relations to a qualitatively new level. This visit, the first by a U.S. vice president since 2008, signifies the strategic importance Washington places on Baku and highlights Azerbaijan's special role in the South Caucasus.

The United States aims to preserve and strengthen its influence not only in the Western Hemisphere but also in other strategically important regions. The TRIPP project reflects Washington's interest in maintaining an active presence in the region.

Mammadov identified the 907th Amendment as another important issue. He suggested that Vance's visit could positively influence efforts to lift existing restrictions associated with the amendment. Trump's indication of enhancing U.S.-Azerbaijan military cooperation is notable in this context.

Trump's personal involvement in this process is significant, according to Mammadov. He highlighted two main tendencies in Trump's approach: the peace agenda and linking diplomatic initiatives with economic benefits. Mammadov suggested that Vance's visit could accelerate Azerbaijan-Armenia peace negotiations.

Additionally, Mammadov noted that increased U.S. activity in the region could expand access to South Caucasus, Black Sea, and Central Asian markets for American companies, providing economic and political advantages for the Trump administration.

The expert raised a key question following the August 8 meeting: whether U.S. promises regarding the South Caucasus would be backed by concrete actions. Observations over the past six months indicate that the Trump administration is serious about this issue, and Vice President Vance's visit should be assessed in that context.

Mammadov added that the August 8 meeting marked a turning point in Azerbaijan's foreign policy. Following the meeting, a Strategic Partnership Charter between Azerbaijan and the United States was proposed, and working groups were established to facilitate ongoing negotiations.

He concluded that Azerbaijan continues to maintain a balanced foreign policy. Azerbaijan's strategic cooperation agreement with China, negotiations with the European Union, and similar plans with the United States enable the country to adopt a more stable and flexible stance in the emerging global order.