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The United States is committed to peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, U.S. State Department principal deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said on Wednesday.

“The Secretary has emphasized that the U.S. has communicated – is committed to Armenia Azerbaijan peace negotiations, and we have encouraged both leaders to meet in whatever format is most useful to them,” he told a press briefing.

The spokesperson’s comments came in response to the question about the outcome of Caucasus affairs director Mark Cameron’s recent trip to the Armenia-Azerbaijani border.

“Our viewpoint is that direct dialogue is key to resolving these issues and reaching a lasting peace. There is no greater supporter than the U.S. for the sovereignty and independence of the three countries in the South Caucasus, and the restoration of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia’s independence in 1991 when the Soviet Union was a seminal event that guaranteed each of these countries the right to pursue their own foreign policy interests and sovereignty,” Patel said.