Baku: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Steve Daines, member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on May 29, APA reports. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between the United States and Azerbaijan.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Senator Daines began by congratulating President Aliyev on Azerbaijan’s Independence Day. He acknowledged the historical cooperation between Azerbaijani and U.S. troops in Afghanistan, noting the significant role Azerbaijani soldiers played in securing Kabul Airport during the evacuation process. He expressed gratitude for their contributions to the safety of both civilian and military personnel.

Senator Daines highlighted his commitment to fostering relationships between the United States and Central Asian countries, including Azerbaijan. He emphasized the potential for expanding these ties and advocated for more frequent visits by U.S. Senate representatives to the region.

President Aliyev expressed his appreciation for the Independence Day wishes and valued the congratulatory letter from U.S. President Donald Trump, which underscored opportunities for enhancing security, energy, and economic relations. President Aliyev also noted the importance of the attention given to Azerbaijan during Trump’s first term.

The discussions recognized Azerbaijan’s strategic position as a key logistics hub in the Eurasian region, facilitated by its developed transport infrastructure and political relations. The meeting also addressed other topics of mutual interest. Senator Daines concluded the visit by presenting President Aliyev with a keepsake.