Azerbaijan, Baku, April 7 / Trend , A. Huseynbala/
Ankara's developing ties with the new U.S. Administration is important to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, political expert and Azerbaijani ruling New Azerbaijan Party Political Council member Aydin Mirzazade told Trend .
"Establishing normal ties with the U.S. is important for Turkey. The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict can be resolved or at least discussed after normal ties are in place," Mirzazade said.
Obama arrived in Turkey on April 5. U.S. President's first visit to the Muslim country will last two days.
The meeting will also focus on Turkey's integration with Europe.
The security in Ankara and Turkey has been upped on occasion of U.S. President's visit. Obama's motorcade will be accompanied by 4,000 Turkish police and special service officers.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 surrounding districts. Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group - Russia, France, and the U.S. - are currently holding the peace negotiations.
Mirzazade said more frequent visits by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs to the region points to increased U.S. interest to the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Obama's visit to Turkey shows special attention to this region. On the other U.S. considers Turkey an important ally, he said.
"It is important that Obama did not say "Armenian genocide" in Turkey. It shows that Turkey's activities are more important for the Obama administration," he added.
Neither Obama nor Gul has defined priorities. They only seek to maintain high-level relations as before, Mirzazade said.
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