US President Joe Biden said in his congratulatory message on the occasion of Azerbaijan's independence day that Washington welcomes the steps of Azerbaijan and Armenia "aimed at ensuring a lasting and dignified peace".

"We welcome the steps of Azerbaijan and Armenia aimed at ensuring a lasting and dignified peace and are ready to support these efforts. Most importantly, we wish to develop our partnership and strengthen relations with the Azerbaijani people," the Azerbaijani media quoted Joe Biden's congratulatory message.