President Ilham Aliyev and US Vice President J.D. Vance Sign Strategic Partnership Charter in Baku to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation and Regional Development

In a significant diplomatic move on February 10, 2026, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and US Vice President J.D. Vance signed a Strategic Partnership Charter in Baku, signaling a new chapter in bilateral relations.

The US Embassy in Azerbaijan described the agreement as a major step toward unlocking the “vast potential” of the South Caucasus region.

Speaking after the ceremony, the embassy noted, “This document will contribute to the further strengthening of relations between our two countries.

The United States remains committed to close cooperation with Azerbaijan to realize the vast potential of the South Caucasus region.”

A Wide-Ranging Agenda for Collaboration

The newly signed charter lays out several priority areas for cooperation, touching on everything from regional infrastructure to cutting-edge technology.

Regional Connectivity and Infrastructure

One of the central pillars of the partnership focuses on transport and logistics.

Key initiatives include the TRIPP project and the Trans-Caspian Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor.

Both projects aim to improve regional connectivity, streamline border-crossing procedures, and strengthen international logistics networks, potentially transforming trade across the South Caucasus.

Economy, Investment, and Technology

Economic collaboration is another cornerstone of the charter.

Both countries are looking to expand bilateral trade and attract private and public investment.

Technology and innovation are also high on the agenda, with plans for joint research in artificial intelligence, digital platforms, data centers, and even space exploration.

The partnership emphasizes knowledge exchange, workforce development, and venture capital support to boost the region’s competitiveness.

Energy Cooperation

Energy is a strategic priority for Baku and Washington.

The charter promotes the development of energy interconnections, diversification of supply routes, and support for the global transit of mineral resources.

Experts note that these initiatives could bolster Azerbaijan’s position as a key energy corridor linking Europe and Asia.

Security and Defense

Security and defense cooperation rounds out the agreement.

Areas of focus include joint defense initiatives, collaboration in the defense industry, counterterrorism measures, cybersecurity for critical infrastructure, and humanitarian demining efforts.

Both nations aim to share expertise and technology to strengthen regional and international security.

Aliyev Calls Strategic Partnership an Honor

President Aliyev hailed the agreement as a milestone for Azerbaijan, describing it as “a great honor for us to be a strategic partner of the United States, the most powerful country in the world.”

He extended thanks to President Donald Trump, Vice President Vance, and their teams for supporting peace initiatives in the South Caucasus.

According to Aliyev, Azerbaijan is now learning to live in peace and values the United States’ role in stabilizing the region.

Official Visit and Closed-Door Talks

Vice President Vance was welcomed in Baku with full honors, including a ceremonial guard and the display of both nations’ flags.

The two leaders then held a private meeting to discuss the charter and other key bilateral priorities.

The visit to Azerbaijan came after Vance traveled to Armenia, where he signed a cooperation agreement on peaceful nuclear energy with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and commented on Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary elections.

During his trip to Baku, defense cooperation and the potential supply of equipment were also on the agenda, according to President Trump.

What’s Next?

The Strategic Partnership Charter opens the door for a host of projects and initiatives in the coming months.

Key areas to watch include:

• The implementation of infrastructure projects like the Middle Corridor and TRIPP

• Expansion of joint technology and innovation programs

• Development of energy interconnections and diversification of supply routes

• Strengthening of joint security and counterterrorism cooperation

• Potential new defense equipment agreements between Azerbaijan and the US

Experts suggest that how these projects are rolled out will have a major impact on the South Caucasus’ economic and strategic landscape over the next decade.

Summary

President Ilham Aliyev and US Vice President J.D. Vance signed a Strategic Partnership Charter in Baku on February 10, 2026, aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation and unlocking the South Caucasus’ potential.

The agreement covers transport and regional connectivity, economic collaboration, technology and innovation, energy development, and security and defense cooperation.

Aliyev described the partnership as “a great honor” and thanked the US for supporting peace efforts in the region.

The visit included a ceremonial welcome, closed-door talks, and followed Vance’s trip to Armenia, where he signed a nuclear energy cooperation agreement.

The charter sets the stage for increased collaboration in the months ahead, including infrastructure, trade, technology, energy, and defense initiatives.