U.S. State Department spokesperson Temi Bruce stated that the United States supports initiatives aimed at strengthening peace and stability in the South Caucasus, in response to a question about the recent meeting in Abu Dhabi between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and possible U.S. involvement.

“We are closely following media reports regarding Secretary Rubio’s recent remarks, although we have no additional information to share at this time.

Secretary Rubio’s public comments during the cabinet meeting reflect the administration’s overall commitment. This is an administration working for peace. They will do what is necessary and go wherever needed. This stance remains firm, as the core mission to ‘make America strong again’ includes improving conditions in the world around us,” Bruce stated.

On July 10, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and President Ilham Aliyev met in Abu Dhabi to discuss various aspects of normalizing Armenia-Azerbaijan interstate relations. Both sides confirmed that bilateral negotiations are the most effective format to address all issues concerning the normalization process, and agreed to continue results-oriented dialogue. The meeting lasted five hours.