Baku, Washington can build better future thanks to cooperation

AU.S. Charge d’Affaires in Azerbaijan William Gill made the remarks at the event dedicated to the U.S. Independence Day in Baku on July 4.

The diplomat stressed that the 242nd anniversary of U.S. independence is celebrated this year, adding that this year the 100th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic is celebrated in Azerbaijan and this is of special significance.

He went on to say that since the day of gaining independence, the U.S. has always supported Azerbaijan.

“The U.S. continues to support independent and stable Azerbaijan through cooperation,” he noted, further adding that Azerbaijan and the U.S. can build a better future for the two countries and the world.

Addressing the event, Azerbaijani Minister of Finance Samir Sharifov stressed that Baku appreciates the U.S. government’s support for the implementation of energy projects with the participation of Azerbaijan.

“The U.S.-Azerbaijan relations are developing within the interests of the two countries in accordance with the principles of equal partnership and cover different spheres,” the minister said.

Sharifov emphasized that the expansion of the political dialogue serves the development of relations between the two countries.

“The U.S. constantly supports transnational energy projects, which are being implemented on the initiative and with the participation of Azerbaijan,” he mentioned. “The relations in this sphere are of a strategic nature and meet the interests of both the U.S. and Azerbaijan. We appreciate the support of the U.S. government for the implementation of energy projects with the participation of Azerbaijan.”

The United States established diplomatic relations with Azerbaijan in 1992, following its independence from the Soviet Union. Together, the two countries work to promote European energy security, expand bilateral trade and investment, and combat terrorism and transnational threats.

The U.S. is committed to strengthening democracy and promoting economic diversification in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan and the U.S. have a Trade Relations Agreement and a Bilateral Investment Treaty. The governments periodically convene the U.S.-Azerbaijan Economic Partnership Commission to discuss bilateral cooperation to promote trade and investment.

The U.S. has long supported Azerbaijan’s efforts to develop and export its energy resources to Western markets, and crude oil is the single largest import from Azerbaijan. U.S. companies are involved in offshore oil development projects in Azerbaijan, export aircraft and heavy machinery to Azerbaijan, and have been exploring emerging trade and investment opportunities in agriculture, telecommunications, tourism, transportation services, and other fields.