Washington: The United States and Azerbaijan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a Strategic Working Group aimed at developing a Charter on Strategic Partnership. This effort is focused on strengthening strategic ties between the two nations within a six-month timeframe.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the Strategic Working Group will concentrate on regional connectivity, economic investment, and security cooperation. These areas include enhancing energy, trade, and transit links; boosting investment in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure; and improving defense sales and counterterrorism cooperation.

The MOU outlines several cooperation areas, such as expanding energy investment, strengthening defense and counterterrorism partnerships, advancing regional economic and trade collaboration, and developing AI partnerships and digital infrastructure projects. The agreement is effective immediately and will remain in effect for one year, with the possibility of extension by mutual consent. Either party may withdraw from the MOU with a 60-day notice.

The MOU specifies that ongoing projects will continue despite discontinuation and may be modified by mutual agreement. It also clarifies that the MOU does not create legal obligations or financial commitments. Both countries will maintain their separate missions and bear their own costs related to the MOU activities. The agreement was signed in Washington, D.C., on August 8, 2025, in two original copies.