Former congressman: US–Azerbaijan relations have progressed in recent years

Published: 2025-10-18 11:32

"America's relations with Azerbaijan have also progressed in recent years. Considerable improvement came about when Azerbaijan became an alternative supplier of energy to Europe after Russia reinvaded Ukraine in 2022 and refused to facilitate Russian sanctions dodging," according to an article by former Republican congressman Michael Flanagan, published in Townhall, a US conservative magazine.

"Washington secured key wins, including long-term leasing and development rights of the TRIPP (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity) and a Strategic Working Group with Azerbaijan focused on critical sectors like energy, transportation, and defense. The TRIPP also means access to the Middle Corridor, an economic artery linking Europe to Central Asia while avoiding Russia and Iran, enhancing America’s abilities to compete against Russia and China in Eurasia," Flanagan notes.

"President Trump consolidated these gains by continuing to waive the enforcement of Section 907 (of the 1992 Freedom Support Act). While this signals a willingness to cooperate with Baku as it builds critical infrastructure and de-escalates with Yerevan, permanent repeal remains a job for Congress... The permanent removal of Section 907 by the US Congress would eliminate a legacy of double standards and help strengthen trust and cooperation at a time when Azerbaijan is contributing to global security and stability," the former congressman emphasizes.

By Azerbaijani-Israeli Alliance Global News