Debates on Azeri-West relationships to be held in Washingtion DC

Azerbaijani-Americans for Democracy (AZAD),a  Washington DC-based nonpartisan organization that advocates for democracy in Azerbaijan, will be hosting a new discussion forum on Azerbaijan next month, in the US Capital, TURAN's correspondent was informed by the organization.

The event is titled "Azerbaijan's Untapped Potential for the West: Engaging Azerbaijani Society as a US Ally".

Former US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Richard Kauzlarich will be a guest speaker. The forum that will take place on December 19 "will look at Azerbaijan's potential as a US ally beyond the current energy and security context. Opportunities stemming from engaging Azerbaijani people and securing pro-Western orientation of the broader society will be the main focus of the discussion", reads the event announcement.

"Azerbaijan had long been viewed by the West mostly from the prism of energy resources, pipeline networks, and logistical security importance... But there is also an unlocked potential rooted in the history, culture and character of its people. Azerbaijan has a unique status as a Muslim, Turkic society with mostly secular, religiously tolerant population", the organizers of the event underlined.

Azerbaijan's history of liberal intellectual thought leadership, dating back to 19th century, already manifested itself briefly in the establishment of the first Muslim democracy, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, back in 1918.

"Around 20 million ethnic Azeris living in Iran, the changing face of the countries and the shifting balance of powers in the region and other considerations also add weight to Azerbaijan's potential as a Western ally", the organizers mentioned. -25В-