The US is interested in the soonest settlement of the Karabakh conflict, Tillerson

The United States is interested in an early peaceful settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said. He and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov exchanged congratulatory messages on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.Azerbaijan became one of the first states to support the US after the events of September 11, 2000, the Secretary of State recalled.

Tillerson noted the close cooperation between Washington and Baku, especially in the energy sector.

"The US supports Azerbaijan's efforts to diversify its economy and expand economic opportunities," the Secretary of State stressed.

"Azerbaijan trusts the US as a fair mediator in the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict and stands for the solution of the problem peacefully on the basis of the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council," Mammadyarov said.

The Minister noted the strategic nature of the relations between Azerbaijan and the United States in the economy, politics and security. "Azerbaijan contributes to ensuring energy security and diversification of European energy sources and, thus, works closely with the US on energy issues," he stressed.

The Foreign Minister also noted the successful cooperation between the two countries in countering terrorism and the proliferation of mass destruction weapons. He stressed that Azerbaijan has become one of the first states to support the US in operations being implemented in Afghanistan.

Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and the United States were established on February 28, 1992.

In the same year, both states opened embassies in each other's capitals. To date, 76 agreements have been signed between the two countries.-06D-