' U.S. always support Azerbaijan's development'

Relations between Azerbaijan and the United States are based on common interests in security, energy, as well as in the field of democratic and economic reforms, U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Adam Sterling said on the event dedicated to the 20th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

"The U.S. has always supported and will do everything in its power to support in the future the development of Azerbaijan as an independent, democratic, peaceful and prosperous nation," Sterling said.

Stearling noted that Azerbaijan plays an important role in international security and war on terrorism.

"Azerbaijani and U.S. soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder in Kosovo, Iraq and they are now in Afghanistan. Azerbaijan also was a major transportation route to support NATO operations in Afghanistan," he said.

Sterling said the United States as a co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group will continue its close co-operation with the sides in order to achieve long-term resolution through the negotiations.

"There is nothing more important than commitment in peaceful and fair settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict".

The Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, the first Azerbaijani Ambassador to the United States, Hafiz Pashayev, said despite all the obstacles, the development of relations between the two countries has increased and reached the level of strategic partnership.

Pashayev said the foundation of this strategic partnership was laid by national leader Heydar Aliyev and Bill Clinton in 1994.

Pashayev noted that the energy projects were implemented in Azerbaijan with the support of the U.S., and the struggle of the USA against the terrorism became more effective with the support of Azerbaijan.

"We want the USA to be more active in resolving the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, which has continued between Azerbaijan and Armenia for many years," he said.

The Deputy Minister also stressed the importance of expanding the US-Azerbaijan partnership.


/Trend/