Javanshir Feyziyev: The U.S. continues to view Azerbaijan as an important regional actor

For many years, the waiver of Section 907 of the U.S. Freedom Support Act has served as a practical mechanism enabling cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United States in areas where the interests of the two countries overlap.

This was stated by Azerbaijani MP Javanshir Feyziyev in a comment to The Daily Baku.

According to the parliamentarian, the mechanism has facilitated cooperation between the two countries in such areas as security, counterterrorism, border protection, energy infrastructure security, and the preservation of regional stability.

Feyziyev noted that Azerbaijan occupies a strategically important position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and plays a significant role in ensuring stability, security, and connectivity across the wider South Caucasus and Caspian regions.

He emphasized that Azerbaijan has made substantial contributions to international security efforts over the years.

“Azerbaijan has contributed to international security efforts by supporting operations in Afghanistan, cooperating on counterterrorism initiatives, and working to strengthen regional resilience against emerging threats,” the MP said.

In his view, the continuation of the Section 907 waiver demonstrates U.S. recognition of these realities.

“This decision shows that despite existing differences, both countries understand the importance of maintaining practical cooperation in areas where their strategic interests converge,” Feyziyev stressed.

The MP added that the significance of the waiver extends beyond bilateral relations and carries broader regional importance.

According to him, the South Caucasus is currently undergoing a major transformation, with new opportunities emerging in regional connectivity, transportation corridors, energy cooperation, and economic integration.

“In such an environment, sustained cooperation between the United States and Azerbaijan contributes to predictability, stability, and constructive dialogue,” he noted.

Feyziyev argued that the waiver should not be viewed merely as a technical or legislative matter.

“Therefore, the waiver is not simply a technical or legislative issue. It also indicates that both sides remain interested in developing channels of cooperation and maintaining a productive bilateral relationship. The decision creates conditions for continued security cooperation while also supporting broader diplomatic and economic engagement,” he said.

The MP described the extension of the waiver as a positive and important development for U.S.–Azerbaijan relations.

“In today’s geopolitical environment, issues such as energy security, transportation connectivity, supply chain resilience, and regional stability have become increasingly significant. Azerbaijan plays an important role in all of these areas. The extension of the waiver sends a clear message that the United States continues to regard the South Caucasus as a strategically important region and recognizes Azerbaijan as an important regional actor,” Feyziyev stated.

According to him, Washington’s decision demonstrates its intention to remain engaged in the region through a pragmatic and interest based approach.

“This decision shows that Washington intends to continue its active engagement in the region through a pragmatic and interest based approach. It reflects an understanding that long term stability and prosperity in the South Caucasus require dialogue and cooperation with all key regional stakeholders. The continuation of the waiver helps preserve the existing framework for broader cooperation,” he said.

Touching upon future prospects, Feyziyev noted that the decision could create additional opportunities for cooperation in a number of areas.

“Looking ahead, this decision may create additional opportunities for cooperation in a range of fields. I believe security cooperation will remain important, but there is also considerable potential in energy, trade, transportation, digital connectivity, innovation, education, and people to people exchanges,” he stressed.

According to the MP, extending the Section 907 waiver is an important step in support of continued dialogue and cooperation.

“Ultimately, the extension of the waiver should be viewed as a positive step that supports continued dialogue and cooperation. It demonstrates that both countries continue to see value in maintaining and developing their partnership,” Feyziyev concluded.