Baku: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Senator Steve Daines, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, President Aliyev highlighted the successful development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the United States, which have reached the level of a strategic partnership following Donald Trump's second election as U.S. President. He emphasized the importance of these ties for both countries and the broader region. The President fondly recalled the visit of U.S. Vice President JD Vance to Azerbaijan, during which the "Charter on Strategic Partnership between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the United States of America" was signed, further expanding bilateral relations.

President Aliyev also praised his personal relations with Donald Trump, underscoring Trump's significant role in advancing peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He expressed gratitude to Senator Daines for his continued efforts to strengthen Azerbaijan-U.S. relations and noted the historic developments that have occurred since the Senator's last visit to the country.

Senator Steve Daines acknowledged the progress in the relationship between the two nations, describing President Aliyev's visit to Washington in August of the previous year as a pivotal moment. He recognized Azerbaijan's geopolitical significance under President Aliyev's leadership and expressed appreciation for Aliyev's role in normalizing relations with Armenia and promoting peace.

During their discussion, both parties emphasized the importance of the TRIPP corridor for enhancing regional transport connectivity. They also discussed strengthening dialogue between Azerbaijan and the U.S. Senate and explored further opportunities for partnership.