Armenia and Azerbaijan have a historic opportunity to establish a long-term peace, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried said during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing.

There have been setbacks, such as the September 13-14 fighting. The US intervened immediately to bring about a cease-fire, she said.

According to her, Secretary Antony Blinken's efforts facilitated the dialogue. He met with the foreign ministers of the two countries on September 19 and November 7, along with phone calls with ministers from both countries. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with his counterparts in Armenia and Azerbaijan, demonstrating the U.S. commitment to peace and security in the region.

Thanks to the US efforts, Azerbaijan released 17 Armenian prisoners of war on October 4, she added.

Donfried noted that such actions have helped build the trust that both sides need, and they take every opportunity to urge Azerbaijan to release the remaining Armenian POWs.

Peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan is in international security interests, she said noting that the US relations with Armenia have never been stronger.