Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

The conversion by some U.S. circles of questions about Azerbaijan into an object of public discussion and their anti-Azerbaijani activities do not correspond with the spirit of strategic relations between the countries.

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov made the remark at a meeting with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia Evelyn Farkas on September 18.

Azerbaijani and U.S. officials focused on the cooperation in the fight against terrorism, energy security, and efforts to ensure the peace and stability.

Mammadyarov noted that cooperation in the fields of energy, the fight against terrorism, defense and security should complete the political relations.

Mammadyarov brought to U.S. attention the fact that Azerbaijan strongly supports international efforts in the fight against terrorism, adding that his country provides assistance to the establishment of peace and stability in Afghanistan on bilateral and multilateral bases, and that the country's peacekeeping forces are serving successfully in Afghanistan.

Azerbaijan's military personnel have been part of the ISAF contingent in the peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan. The mission of the armed forces in Afghanistan began on November 20, 2002. The Azerbaijani peacekeeping contingent in Afghanistan doubled in 2009. Currently, some 90 Azerbaijani servicemen are part of the international forces securing safety in Afghanistan. Azerbaijan is among the eight partner countries that have confirmed their presence in Afghanistan after 2014.

As for regional relations, Mammadyarov said the country’s independence, stability, security, as well as the continuity of successful development are the foremost issues.

He noted that the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, TANAP, and TAP projects with Azerbaijan’s initiative and participation, will change the transport and energy map of the region.

The United States has highly appreciated Azerbaijan’s contribution during operations in Afghanistan.

Farkas said relations between Azerbaijan and the U.S.are strategic in nature.

She said the U.S. strategic interests in the fight against terrorism, in energy security and peacekeeping operations and strategic interests coincide with the interests of Azerbaijan, commending the cooperation between the two countries in these areas.

Farkas noted that her country appreciated the transit opportunities created by Azerbaijan and the use of the country's airspace for operations in Afghanistan.

Azerbaijan is one of the key partners in U.S. and NATO-led efforts to root out extremism in Afghanistan.

Azerbaijan has also facilitated the transport of logistical supplies in support of these NATO operations in Afghanistan. Azerbaijan has cooperated closely with the United States as well to cut off financing for extremist organizations.

Moreover, the parties exchanged their views on the settlement process of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and other issues of mutual interest.

The United States and Azerbaijan have had diplomatic relations since 1919. However, no direct inter-state relations existed between Azerbaijan and the U.S. during Soviet times.

After Azerbaijan gained independence in 1991, Washington established diplomatic relations with Baku in 1992.

Azerbaijan and the United States enjoy a strong strategic partnership founded on shared values and interests. Today, Azerbaijan remains a staunch ally of the U.S. in its fight against international terrorism. Azerbaijani troops have been serving in Afghanistan shoulder to shoulder with U.S soldiers, just as they did previously in the Balkans and in Iraq.

Economic and commercial relations are also developing dynamically. The U.S. is one of the largest investors in Azerbaijan. U.S. companies are involved in offshore oil development projects with Azerbaijan.

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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @SaraRajabova

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