Office of the Historian

A Guide to the United States’ History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Azerbaijan

Summary

Located at the crossroads of European-Asian trading routes, Azerbaijan was fought over by Russian, Persian and Ottoman forces for centuries. After the collapse of the Russian Empire in 1917, Azerbaijan briefly became an independent state that was de facto recognized by the Allies in January 1920, only to have independence terminated when the Red Army arrived in April of that year.

Modern Flag of Azerbaijan

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States and Azerbaijan have established bilateral relations. The United States has paid special attention to encouraging peaceful, negotiated resolution to Azeri-Armenian territorial conflicts.

Recognition

U.S. Recognition of Azerbaijan, 1991.

The United States recognized Azerbaijan’s independence on December 25, 1991, when President George H.W. Bush announced the decision in an address to the nation regarding the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Azerbaijan previously had been a constituent republic of the USSR.

Diplomatic Relations

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, 1992.

Diplomatic relations were established on February 19, 1992, when President George H.W. Bush announced the decision in a press statement.

Establishment of the American Embassy in Baku, 1992.

The American Embassy in Baku was opened on March 16, 1992, with Robert Finn as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.

Resources