Azerbaijani people deserve independent media, fair justice, and a corruption-free economy – Mark Libby

Mark Libby, who is concluding his diplomatic mission in Azerbaijan as the U.S. Ambassador, delivered a final message, which was published on the U.S. Embassy's Facebook page.

In his statement, Libby noted that he leaves the country with with a profound appreciation for Azerbaijan and optimism about the future of our shared endeavors.

“Danusia and I have traveled the length and width of Azerbaijan, climbed mountains, hiked deserts, and floated in the sea.  We have visited ancient and modern temples, synagogues, and mosques; marveled at prehistoric petroglyphs; watched carpet-weavers and sculptors create magic before our eyes; and devoured delicious food – some prepared by top chefs in world-class restaurants, some made over an open fire in the wilderness.

 More than nature or food or crafts, however, it is the Azerbaijani people who have left the most lasting impression on us.  From Nizami Ganjavi to Ell & Nikki; from Vajiha Samadova to Chef Tavakkul; from Zeynalabdin Taghiyev to the heroic crew of AZAL Flight 8243; Azerbaijanis are a people of legendary courage, creativity, resilience, hospitality, religious diversity, and vision.  Every single Azerbaijani that Danusia and I have met here shares a common heritage with such remarkable people.

And so it is the Azerbaijani people that we will miss most.  I wish them the very best because they deserve nothing less.  They deserve to live in a strong, sovereign country at peace with its neighbors.  They deserve an independent media that is just as free to hold the authorities to account through criticism as it is to lavish praise.  They deserve the fair, transparent application of justice that does not target people for speaking their minds.  And they deserve a prosperous, forward-looking economy that is free of corruption and self-dealing.

No country is perfect, including the United States.  But I am proud of how the U.S. Embassy has worked hard with our Azerbaijani hosts toward these goals.  Together, we have accomplished a lot.  We have advanced economic wellbeing.  From the Contract of the Century 30 years ago, to COP29 last year, to ongoing U.S. support for small business, farmers, and women entrepreneurs in Azerbaijan, the U.S.-Azerbaijani partnership has produced remarkable prosperity and set the foundations for a cleaner, sustainable future.  Together we have made Azerbaijani people safer.  Through programs focused on training, equipment, and cooperation, the United States actively supports the security of Azerbaijan’s citizens, borders, and seacoast.  The Embassy has devoted millions of dollars to remove landmines that threaten Azerbaijani lives daily.  And my colleagues and I have showed U.S. respect for the principle of territorial integrity by paying official visits throughout Azerbaijan’s internationally recognized territory.  Every day, naysayers try to sow doubt with false conspiracy narratives, but our deeds speak louder than their words.

And finally, we have seen huge growth in people-to-people ties.  Through the rapid expansion of Azerbaijani students studying in the United States, Embassy programs to teach English to displaced persons and other disadvantaged populations, together we have proven that the friendship between our peoples is durable and growing.  This, more than anything else, gives me great hope for the future of our relationship.

Thank you, Azerbaijan, for hosting my family and me.  Thank you, Azerbaijan, for your hospitality and creative vitality.  Danusia and I will miss this wonderful country and we sincerely with the Azerbaijani people happiness and prosperity in the years to come.”