Twenty Years of U.S.-Azerbaijani Diplomatic Partnership Celebrated in Washington

WASHINGTON, March 2, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This week, the U.S. State Department and the Embassy of Azerbaijan to the U.S. hosted a reception at Washington's historic Cosmos Club to mark the 20th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations. The event brought together officials representing key U.S. Government agencies, including the White House, Department of State, Department of Defense, as well as U.S. Congress, members of the diplomatic corps, as well as prominent academics and business leaders. Former White House Chief of Staff John Sununu, former National Security Adviser Brent Scowcroft, former USTRANSCOM Commander General Duncan McNabb, Members of Azerbaijani Parliament Asim Mollazade and Sevinj Fataliyeva were among the distinguished guests joining the celebration.

In his introductory remarks, Ambassador Elin Suleymanov noted that the U.S.-Azerbaijani relations have developed into a robust partnership based on common understanding of strategic issues in the region. Mr. Suleymanov highlighted the successful cooperation in the areas of energy development, international security and humanitarian affairs and expressed his appreciation for the support extended by the United States to Azerbaijan from the very first months following the nation's restoration of its independence.

Assistant Secretary of State Philip Gordon in his remarks emphasized the importance that President Obama and Secretary Clinton place on the relationship with Azerbaijan as a friend and partner. Assistant Secretary cited the multiple fronts on which the two countries cooperate, including in the areas of security, energy, political and economic reforms.

For the full text of Assistant Secretary Gordon's remarks, please visit: http://www.state.gov/p/eur/rls/rm/2012/184863.htm

CONTACT: Nasimi Aghayev
[email protected]

SOURCE Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States