U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on Monday, November 27 spoke to Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in two separate statements.

Blinken and Pashinyan discussed U.S. support for efforts to reach a durable and dignified peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“The Secretary reaffirmed the United States’ ongoing support for Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and outlined efforts to increase bilateral cooperation with Armenia as we work to support its vision for a prosperous and democratic future,” Miller added.

In a phone call with the Azerbaijani President, the Secretary welcomed Aliyev’s “commitment to conclude a durable and dignified peace agreement” between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

“The Secretary recognized the suffering that this long-standing conflict has caused Azerbaijanis and Armenians alike and underscored the benefits that peace would bring to everyone in the region,” the statement said.

“The Secretary discussed our enduring relations with Azerbaijan, noted recent points of concern in the relationship and also spoke about opportunities to strengthen cooperation, especially around the peace process, and the importance of high-level engagement.”