Great potential for fruitful economic Washington-Baku ties
By Sara Rajabova
U.S. diplomat has said there is great potential for the development of deep and fruitful economic relations between Azerbaijan and the United States.
Robert Cekuta, the U.S. ambassador to Azerbaijan made the remarks at a reception organized by the Azerbaijani-American Chamber of Commerce in his honor on March 27, according to a message of the U.S. embassy in Baku.
Addressing the event, Bill Delahunt, a member of the U.S. Congress noted Cekuta’s experience in economic and trade sectors, as well as his work while working in the State Department.
He expressed confidence that the new ambassador will succeed in strengthening the important U.S. government’s relations with Azerbaijan.
In turn, Elin Suleymanov, the Azerbaijani ambassador to the U.S. expressed his satisfaction with Cekuta’s appointment to the post of ambassador, noting the importance of the strategic nature of relations between the two countries.
Cekuta started his activity as U.S. ambassador to Azerbaijan in mid-February. The U.S. Senate approved the candidacy of Cekuta as the new ambassador to Azerbaijan last December.
Speaking at the event, Cekuta said one of his main goals is to further strengthen and improve relations between Washington and Baku.
He recalled that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration awarded in 2014 the aeronautical service of Azerbaijan with first category rating for safety and now the two countries are negotiating on the "Open Skies Agreement".
Azerbaijan, which is making efforts to diversify its energy supplies, is a strong partner of the United States, according to Cekuta.
He added that the expansion of the South Caucasus Pipeline and construction of Trans Adriatic Pipeline will complement the" Southern Gas Corridor ", which, in turn, at the right time will ensure transportation of Caspian gas to Western Europe, as well as its energy security.
Since Azerbaijan's emergence as an independent nation in 1991, the U.S.-Azerbaijan relationship has evolved into a strategic partnership based on mutual interests and common values.
--
Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
Twitter: @SaraRajabova
Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz