Azernews.Az

Regional security and Iran’s nuclear program topped the agenda of US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Eric Rubin’s talks with senior officials in Baku, he told the press after wrapping up his official visit to Azerbaijan on Thursday.

"If Iran acquires a nuclear weapon, this would be a major threat to peace in the region and the whole world. We are determined to prevent this from happening," Rubin said.

"The U.S. wants to work with all partners, including Azerbaijan, which is direct neighbor and is directly affected, to help to persuade Iran to engage with international community about its nuclear program."

On US-Azerbaijani relations, he said Washington intends to work toward boosting them and put forth relevant initiatives this year. He added that US and Azerbaijan share many common challenges, interests and problems "that we need to work on together".

Rubin also dismissed Russian media reports saying that during his meetings in Baku he had discussed issues concerning the Moscow-leased Gabala radar station in northwestern Azerbaijan.

The State Department official held meetings with President Ilham Aliyev and other senior Azerbaijani officials as well as opposition leaders during his two-day visit.