Azerbaijan, Baku, Dec. 7 / corr Trend M.Aliyev /
"We hope Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to inform Washington accurately about the achievements of the Turkish-Azerbaijani partnership," Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov told journalists today.
"We believe during his Washington visit, Erdogan will appeal Washington for serious steps in the resolution of the region's main Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," he added.
Today Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has launched its Washington visit. The minister is expected to mull the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in his meeting with U.S President Barack Obama.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 surrounding districts. Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group - Russia, France, and the U.S. - are currently holding the peace negotiations.
Azimov said Turkey has been playing one of the main roles in the region since 19991.
"Over the past period Turkey seems to attempt using new resources to continue it policy. However, Azerbaijan's position has been strengthened due to changes taken place over the past 18-20 years. Azerbaijan is developing as a leading country in the region and Turkey's close partner," Azimov said. "We think the minister will take into account both Turkey's and Azerbaijan's national interests in Washington."
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