The United States welcomes the work being done to achieve a lasting and dignified peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and we stand ready to support these efforts to turn a new page after a long conflict and build a better future.

Axar.az reports that this was stated in the congratulations of the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Independence Day.

"We are fully committed to this goal, which will strengthen relations and bring economic benefits to the entire region. On this important holiday in honor of the independence of Azerbaijan, I once again confirm the support of the United States to the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan," the congratulatory text said.