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The United States is pleased to be hosting Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan of Armenia and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov of Azerbaijan to facilitate negotiations this week as they work together to pursue a peaceful future for the South Caucasus region, Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken hosted trilateral talks between the two ministers in Washington on Monday. He reiterated in a tweet that dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan is “key to reaching a lasting peace in the South Caucasus region.” Bilateral talks between the foreign ministers are expected to last a few days.

“Secretary Blinken was honored to welcome the foreign ministers at a dinner yesterday and attend the opening plenary session this morning at the George P. Shultz National Affairs Foreign Affairs Training Center. You know this, Alex; you’ve covered this issue for a long time: The Secretary believes that direct dialogue is key to resolving issues and reaching a lasting peace. This is something that he’s been deeply engaged on. It’s something that Senior Coordinator Bono has been deeply engaged on as well. And it’s something that we will continue to pay close attention to,” Patel told a press briefing.

“We believe that peace is possible between these two countries, and we are glad to be welcoming them,” the spokesman stated.