Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that the country must be "ten times stronger" than Armenia "every day," explaining this by the need to maintain military superiority even after the initialing of a peace agreement between the two countries. He outlined his position on October 2 at the 8th Congress of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party in Baku.
US President Donald Trump sent a belated congratulatory message to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the occasion of the country's 35th anniversary of independence and announced the US intention to participate in the "Trump Route to International Peace and Prosperity" (TRIPP) project.
"In advancing the historic 'Trump Route to International Peace and Prosperity' (TRIPP) initiative, we look forward to implementing projects and making investments in Armenia, thereby fulfilling our commitments to ensuring peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus," Trump’s message stated.
The US President also highlighted the shared values between the US and Armenia, citing peace, prosperity, and democracy. He noted that in the more than a year since discussions with Pashinyan began, the two sides had managed to "make history."
Trump stated that the Armenian Prime Minister's pursuit of peace opens up new opportunities for Armenia, the US, and the entire region.
Armenia celebrated its Independence Day on September 21. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also congratulated Pashinyan on that day.