Azernews.Az

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Strong, sustainable partnerships are built on long-term strategic interests and understanding, Azerbaijani Consul General to Los Angeles Elin Suleymanov believes.

"Herein lies an important challenge the United States faces in Eurasia: Achieving both strategic and tactical goals requires outlook and commitment," Suleymanov said in his article published in the Washington Post.

The Obama administration's initial focus in the Caucasus has been to push the opening of the Armenia-Turkey border at any cost. This is a noble objective, Suleymanov said, but realistically, it can only be achieved as a part of a wider strategic vision. This was how, in the 1990s, the United States was able to build strong partnerships and help emerging nations establish themselves in the international community.

"It was a positive sign when Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, in Baku in early June to discuss security cooperation and Afghanistan, delivered a letter from President Obama emphasizing the need to broaden U.S.-Azerbaijani relations," Suleymanov said.

In his article, Suleymanov also raised the issue of democratic reforms in Azerbaijan. "Throughout the region, much remains to be done, but the steady progress should not be overlooked. In Azerbaijan, from establishment of the award-winning Oil Fund to rapidly growing levels of economic development, the process of nation-building has been vibrant and transformative. Institutional reforms take time," Suleymanov said.