John Kerry accepts Elmar Mammadyarov’s invitation to pay official visit to Azerbaijan

As a part of his visit to Washington, Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov met with US Secretary of State John Kerry, Foreign Ministry’s press service told APA. Stressing that Azerbaijan is an important partner for the US, Kerry noted Azerbaijan’s contribution to NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, the energy security of Europe and important role in other significant issues for the US. Stating that Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict is a threat to the regional stability, the Secretary of State noted the US, as a co-chair country of the OSCE Minsk Group, will contribute to solving the conflict and stressed that the US is interested in the settlement of this conflict.

In his turn, Elmar Mammadyarov said Azerbaijan attaches special attention to bilateral relations with the US and expressed confidence that the successful cooperation in economy, investment and energy spheres, as well as within the international organizations will further enhance. Speaking about the negotiations on the peaceful solution of Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, the minister noted that the status quo must be changed. Elmar Mammadyarov also stressed that in order to achieve progress in the negotiations, first of all Armenia must withdraw its troops from the occupied territories.

During the meeting, Elmar Mammadyarov invited John Kerry to pay an official visit to Baku. Kerry said he is interested in such a visit and accepted the invitation with great pleasure.