James O'Brien, the US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, has highlighted the crucial importance of peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia for opening up new export routes from Central Asia. Currently, Central Asian goods can only transit through Russia and China, but peace in the Caucasus could provide alternative pathways, including through Azerbaijan, he said.
Speaking at a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, O'Brien outlined his agenda for today's visit to Baku. He emphasized that peace between the two countries is vital not only for Azerbaijan - which is positioning itself as a global leader by hosting the UN Climate Change Conference - but for the entire region, including Central Asia.
O'Brien stated that for Central Asian countries to export their goods to world markets, they need to cooperate with Azerbaijan. One such route goes through Georgia to the Black Sea, but another, potentially larger one, could go through Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Türkiye.
James O'Brien is visiting Azerbaijan today and tomorrow.