Mammadyarov and Bolton on the strategic nature of relations between Azerbaijan and the United States

Baku /24.10.18/Turan: Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov today received US National Security Advisor John Bolton, who is in Baku, the Foreign Ministry said. Azerbaijan attaches special importance to relations with the United States and the parties are closely cooperating in a number of areas, including countering terrorism, Mammadyarov said. He also thanked the USA for supporting projects implemented by Azerbaijan"s initiative. Bolton, noting the importance of deepening cooperation between the two countries, said that relations between Azerbaijan and the United States are of a strategic nature.

Advisor to the President of the United States stressed that his country highly appreciates the contribution of Azerbaijan to operations in Afghanistan in the framework of the fight against terrorism.

E. Mammadyarov informed Bolton about the negotiation process on the Karabakh conflict and stated that the status quo was unacceptable. He also declared the illegality of the presence of the Armenian armed forces in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan.

In order to achieve peace, first of all, Armenia must withdraw its troops from the occupied territories and create conditions for returning to their homes, people forcibly expelled from their homes, he noted.

During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on projects being implemented at the initiative of Azerbaijan, such as Baku-Tbilisi-Kars and the South Gas Corridor. -0-