Arizona legislators meet with Azerbaijani counterparts in Baku
By Sara Rajabova
The members of Arizona State Senate and House of Representatives of the United States visited Azerbaijan.
Arizona State lawmakers met with the members of Azerbaijan-U.S. inter-parliamentary working group on November 16.
Azerbaijani MP and head of the working group Samad Seyidov provided an insight into the ongoing development processes in the country.
He said Azerbaijan has an ancient tradition of tolerance with respect to other cultures and religions.
Seyidov said Azerbaijan was one of the countries that supported the U.S. in combating terrorism, and strongly condemns all forms of terrorism.
Saying that 20 percent of Azerbaijani territories were occupied by the Armenian troops, he added that more than 1 million people became IDPs as a result of the occupation.
He said the conflict is an impediment to regional and energy stability, as well as to expanding energy resources and carrying out economic and democratic reforms in the region.
The sides discussed how to enhance relations between Azerbaijan and the United States.
The U.S. delegation also met with Valeh Alesgerov, vice-speaker of the Azerbaijani parliament and chairman of the committee on natural resources, energy and environment.
Alesgerov said the relations between Azerbaijan and the United States are at a high level.
He said the relation between the two countries is developing successfully in all fields, and Azerbaijan has established close links with various U.S. states.
During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the relations between Azerbaijan and Arizona, discussed prospects of developing inter-parliamentary relations, and highlighted the importance of mutual visits.
U.S. recognized Azerbaijan's independence in December 1991. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in February 1992. Seventy-six documents are included in the legal framework for bilateral cooperation.
U.S. and Azerbaijan have bilateral agreements on trade and investment. U.S. companies are involved in oil production in Azerbaijan and exploring new investment opportunities in telecommunications and other fields.