The United States will send its top diplomat for Europe and Eurasia to Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia next week to emphasize Washington's commitment to peace, democracy, and prosperity in the South Caucasus region, TURAN's U.S. correspondent reports.
Marking the 30th anniversaries of diplomatic relations with all three countries, Assistant Secretary of State Karen Donfried "will emphasize U.S. support for their sovereignty and independence, underscoring the right of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia to chart their own paths," the State Department said on Friday.
"She also will highlight the readiness of the United States to help build a lasting peace in the South Caucasus, including by supporting the development of political, economic, and people-to-people connections across the entire region" the department said.
Donfried will visit Baku, Azerbaijan, on June 15 and 16, where she will meet with President Ilham Aliyev, other government officials, and civil society members.
"The Assistant Secretary will underscore U.S. support for the diplomatic efforts between Azerbaijan and Armenia toward a lasting peace, thank Azerbaijan for humanitarian support to Ukraine, and highlight the partnership in promoting European energy security, combatting transnational threats, supporting fundamental freedoms, and advancing bilateral trade and investment," the department said.
On June 17, Assistant Secretary Donfried will visit Tbilisi, Georgia, where she will give remarks at the Tbilisi Women's International Conference organized by President Salome Zourabichvili.
"Dr. Donfried will also meet with Prime Minister Garibashvili and other government officials, opposition representatives, and civil society representatives in Tbilisi to discuss the Kremlin's unprovoked war against Ukraine, and steadfast U.S. support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders."
The Assistant Secretary "will also discuss how the United States can further support Georgia in advancing democratic development and rule of law, diversifying Georgia's economy, and building a prosperous future," read the department's press release.
Donfried will then travel to Yerevan, Armenia, on June 18, where she will meet Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and other government officials.
"The Assistant Secretary will express U.S. support for the diplomatic efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan towards a lasting peace. She will underscore our strong partnership, based on shared values, and our mutual commitment to Armenia's democratic development," the department said.
Alex Raufoglu
Washington D.C.
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