
The Russian Information Agency "RIA Novosti" hosted a video linkup Moscow - Baku - Washington on the topic: "Russia - Azerbaijan - United States in the context of multi-vector policy". The programme coincided with the 20th anniversary of the independence of Azerbaijan, which is celebrated on October 18.
“There were organized several conferences on Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh In Washington, and they aroused a great interest from experts and journalists, as the South Caucasus region is important for the West because of its geopolitical situation, energy resources and proximity to Iran,” says Paul Goble, a former CIA analyst and State Department adviser and publicist .
According to Goble, Azerbaijan has achieved great success not only in oil and economic spheres, but also in political area. The American expert pointed out the Azerbaijan’ non-permanent UN SC membership bid. In his opinion, in this regard Azerbaijan would get support not only from Turkey and many Islamic countries, but also from Latin America, and this is the country’s political success.
Goble emphasized that the United States and Russia should recognize that the South Caucasus region is of interest to both powers, and adhere to a very delicate policy in connection with general interest, as it is imposed by geographical location and energy resources. "Azerbaijan has great chances to become a regional leader in many ways," he said.
Azerbaijani politician, vice-rector of the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy Fariz Ismailzadeh described concrete achievements of Azerbaijan in the 20 years of independence and the tremendous progress in the field of economics and in terms of socio-political stability. He emphasized that Azerbaijan used the oil factor for the development of country’s economy model, and became major investor and member of the largest global transnational projects. The main goal of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy, according to Ismailzadeh, is continuation of policies aimed at ensuring peace and political stability in the country and the region as a whole and liberation of occupied lands.
General Director of the Institute of Caspian Cooperation Sergei Mikheyev said Russia believes in the progress of Azerbaijan and the Caspian region, though, in his opinion, the Caspian region should be first and foremost priority for the five Caspian states.
/AzerTAc/