Morningstar on Priorities of the U.S. in Azerbaijan

U.S. believes that sustainable stability and progress of Azerbaijan is possible through internal and economic reforms. On this Thursday night, said U.S. Ambassador Richard Morningstar, during a reception at his residence on the occasion of the beginning of his diplomatic mission in Azerbaijan.

The event was attended by government officials, MPs, leaders of political parties, heads of religious denominations, civil society activists, journalists, and diplomats accredited in Azerbaijan.

The ceremony began with a remembrance of the memory of 4 U.S. diplomats killed in September 11 during an armed attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi.

Morningstar called the bilateral relations 'strong and versatile.' According to him, the relations have steadily developed in three areas - security, energy and internal reforms.

He also said the United States appreciates Azerbaijan's role in the UN Security Council.

Morningstar recalled the joint participation of the Azerbaijani and U.S. military in peacekeeping operations in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Azerbaijan takes part in the international effort in Afghanistan in security and important support by transporting troops and non-military goods.

"We must also work together to achieve a settlement of the Karabakh conflict, which benefits everyone. Our cooperation in the energy sector also contributes to regional stability," Morningstar said.

U.S., he said, continues to gain strong support in the energy sector of Azerbaijan and the delivery of resources produced here to Europe and other world markets.

"The U.S. government is now providing assistance to Azerbaijan in the production of its rich natural gas resources and export of them to the West. And the goal is not only to ensure Europe's energy security, but at the same time to ensure future progress and sovereignty of Azerbaijan," said Morningstar.

He also noted the importance of cooperation in the development of non-oil sector of Azerbaijan for it is only through diversification that Azerbaijan can achieve economic development.

The U.S. believes that sustainable progress and stability in Azerbaijan is possible through internal and economic reforms, continued Morningstar.

He also quoted U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who was on a visit to Azerbaijan in early June and said that the U.S. has very good relations with the democratic states that are most respectful of the rights of their citizens.

 "We look forward together in the interests of Azerbaijan in the field of the rule of law, the rights and freedoms and the formation of an active civil society, private sector development and entrepreneurship, and provide other factors that contribute to the full realization of the unusual potential of Azerbaijan," said Morningstar.--0--