US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien announced that Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed on the demarcation process of their borders. Speaking at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation hearing, O’Brien outlined a new trade route concept through Armenia and Azerbaijan, aiming to reduce Central Asian countries’ dependence on Russia and China.

“The two sides have agreed to the border demarcation process,” O’Brien stated, emphasizing that they have reached a consensus on the boundary lines. He also discussed the importance of unblocking regional connections and addressed the role of Russia in the region.

Responding to Chairman Cardin’s query about Armenia, O’Brien noted that the US initiated a new platform to help Armenia lessen its reliance on Russia. Despite Russia’s security guarantees, it failed to support Armenia, leading to a significant rift and a growing desire among Armenians to distance themselves from Russia. “We are creating the conditions for that to happen,” O’Brien said, also expressing US support for Armenian PM Pashinyan’s peace efforts.

Highlighting the strategic importance of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, O’Brien pointed out, “Look at the map. Central Asian countries are incredibly rich but currently rely heavily on Russia or China for access to global markets. By opening a route through Azerbaijan and Armenia, these countries can access global markets with much less dependence on Russia and China. This initiative is crucial for enabling countries to choose their own paths to global markets.”