Azerbaijani-U.S. relations in focus during Baku talks
By Sara Rajabova
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by incoming Commander of the United States Transportation Command Paul Joseph Selva on August 22.
The sides noted that the Azerbaijani-U.S. relations were successfully developing in different areas, including the area of transport infrastructure.
The sides pointed out those favorable conditions were created in Azerbaijan for transport infrastructure, overland transportation and goods transportation. The sides also emphasized the importance of implementing large-scale projects on this front.
During the meeting, it was also noted that Azerbaijan had become one of the important venues in terms of international transportation thanks to its favorable geographic location and economic success.
Azerbaijan`s involvement in the peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan and contribution to transport provision was praised during the meeting.
The parties also discussed cooperation prospects.
Earlier, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov met with the U.S. delegation.
They discussed the situation in the South Caucasus region, as well as Azerbaijan's contribution to the peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan.
As one of the main safe and secure transit routes for ISAF, Azerbaijan has been providing support in the field of transport and traffic to the members and partners of NATO, including the United States. The sides expressed satisfaction on that occasion.
The Azerbaijani peacekeeping contingent in Afghanistan doubled in 2009. Currently, some 90 Azerbaijani servicemen are serving in ISAF. A company and then a battalion of peacekeepers were established as part of the Azerbaijani armed forces in 1997.
Azerbaijan is among the partner countries that have confirmed their presence in Afghanistan after 2014.