U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev formally signed a Charter on Strategic Partnership between their two governments on February 10, 2026, marking a significant milestone in U.S.-Caucasus relations. The agreement, negotiated over the past six months, establishes a framework for economic growth, energy security, and regional connectivity, positioning Azerbaijan as a key strategic partner in a region marked by post-Nagorno-Karabakh tensions.

The Charter underscores cooperation in critical sectors such as infrastructure development, renewable and nuclear energy, and trade facilitation, reflecting a shared commitment to stability and prosperity in the Caucasus. This partnership comes on the heels of Vice President Vance’s $9 billion nuclear deal with neighboring Armenia, signaling a broader U.S. strategy to reinforce allies and counter Russian and Iranian influence in the region.

By formalizing this alliance, the United States strengthens its geopolitical presence in a region historically shaped by competing external powers. Azerbaijan’s strategic location and energy resources make it a vital partner for the U.S., enabling deeper engagement in regional security, energy corridors, and defense collaboration. The Charter also highlights mutual intentions to collaborate on counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and diplomatic initiatives to foster regional stability.

Leaders from both nations emphasized the Charter as a foundation for long-term cooperation, noting that it reflects shared democratic values and commitment to sovereign governance. For the U.S., this partnership not only reinforces alliances in the Caucasus but also signals to adversaries that America remains resolute in supporting its partners in critical geopolitical theaters.

The signing of the U.S.-Azerbaijan Strategic Partnership Charter represents a major achievement in Vice President Vance’s diplomatic tour, demonstrating that the Trump administration is actively advancing American interests abroad while fostering economic development, energy security, and regional peace.