Azerbaijan and U.S. Formalize Strategic Partnership, Focusing on Connectivity and Security
BAKU, Azerbaijan – The Republic of Azerbaijan and the United States of America signed a Charter of Strategic Partnership on Monday, February 10, 2026, in Baku, signaling a deepening of cooperation across a range of critical areas including energy, transport, artificial intelligence, and security. The agreement reaffirms mutual support for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of borders.
The signing took place during the official visit of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, underscoring Azerbaijan’s growing geopolitical and geoeconomic importance as a strategic partner for the United States. Officials highlighted Azerbaijan’s key role as a bridge between Europe and Asia, and a central hub for energy, trade, transit, and digital connectivity within the broader Eurasian region.
The Charter builds upon a Memorandum of Understanding signed on August 8, 2025, in Washington D.C., establishing a working group to develop the partnership framework. Both governments affirmed the importance of engaging both public and private sectors in the planning and implementation of enhanced cooperation.
Regional Connectivity Takes Center Stage
A core focus of the partnership is regional connectivity, with a particular emphasis on advancing the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor – also known as the Middle Corridor. The two nations intend to collaborate on improvements to land, maritime, and air transportation infrastructure, as well as energy and data connectivity, trade and transit facilitation, customs control, and international logistics.
The Charter specifically acknowledges the importance of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project, viewing it as a key initiative to provide unimpeded connectivity between mainland Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Officials believe TRIPP will unlock broader trade and transit potential for the region, aligning with the Washington Peace Summit Declaration of August 8, 2025.
Cooperation will also extend to energy, with intentions to expand collaboration in oil, gas, and electricity sectors, both bilaterally and through partnerships with third countries. This includes exploring joint projects like interconnector projects and diversifying supply routes. Both countries also expressed intent to deepen cooperation in civil nuclear energy and facilitate the transit of critical minerals to global markets via the Middle Corridor.
Economic Investment and the Digital Future
Beyond connectivity, the partnership aims to enhance economic growth and investment. The U.S. Acknowledged Azerbaijan’s efforts to integrate further into the global economy and establish itself as a regional hub for energy, trade, data, finance, transport, and logistics.
To this end, the two countries intend to explore the possibility of establishing economic or trade dialogue platforms to increase bilateral trade and investment. Collaboration will also focus on advancing AI partnerships and investments in digital infrastructure, including the potential development of AI data centers in Azerbaijan with private sector involvement.
The Charter outlines plans to share best practices and provide technical assistance in emerging technologies, fostering talent development and a skilled tech workforce in Azerbaijan. Joint research, development, and commercialization efforts in areas like cybersecurity and artificial intelligence are also envisioned, with a focus on attracting private venture capital and accelerating technology commercialization.
Strengthening Security Cooperation
The agreement also addresses security cooperation, recognizing that peace in the South Caucasus is a shared interest. The U.S. Values Azerbaijan’s contributions to international peacekeeping efforts, where Azerbaijani forces have served alongside U.S. And coalition partners.
The two nations intend to expand the scope of their defense and security cooperation, including potential defense sales. They also plan to enhance existing counterterrorism cooperation and collaborate on cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by landmines and other explosives in Azerbaijan, the U.S. And Azerbaijan intend to cooperate in capacity building for humanitarian de-mining through financial support and technology transfer.
Implementation and Next Steps
To implement the commitments outlined in the Charter, the two governments may establish working groups focused on key areas of cooperation, including economy and trade, energy, connectivity, AI and digital development, and security and defense. These working groups are expected to finalize project lists and implementation roadmaps within three months of the Charter’s signing.
Regular meetings, at least annually, are planned within the framework of the Charter, with the possibility of creating additional dialogue platforms as needed to facilitate ongoing partnership implementation.
