The US will continue to support the independence of Azerbaijan - R.Cekuta

Baku/08.07.17/Tura: On the eve of the US Embassy organized a reception on the occasion of the Independence Day of this country - July 4. The event was attended by representatives of the government, parliament and the public of Azerbaijan. Greeting the guests, Ambassador Robert Sekuta noted that this year, along with the 241st anniversary of US independence, the 25th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between America and Azerbaijan and the 99th anniversary of the independence of Azerbaijan declared in 1918 are also celebrated.

Speaking about the significance of the last event, Cekuta recalled that Azerbaijan became the first Muslim country to grant women the right to vote. The ambassador also pointed out that the democracy proclaimed in the US was not a one-time achievement, but a constantly evolving process. In the United States, domestic critics are more numerous than abroad. "Democrats encourage us to be better, make us strong," Cekuta said.

Democracy also plays an important role in economic success, because it creates conditions for everyone's creativity, creates a fair competitive environment, provides consumers with the desired goods and services.

Responsible governance and the rule of law are important for stability, prosperity and success. That is why the US has supported Azerbaijan for 25 years in diversifying the economy, opening up opportunities for investment, creating opportunities for the development of innovative business. Washington intends to further develop relations with Azerbaijan. "We will continue to support an independent, stable, prosperous and democratic Azerbaijan," the ambassador said.

Minister of Finance Samir Sharifov, speaking on behalf of the Azerbaijani government, said that the United States was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Azerbaijan. "The expression by US President Donald Tramp in the message to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's readiness to support and assist in the diversification of the economy shows that our relations are based on a strong partnership. Azerbaijan supports the development of these relations on the basis of mutual respect and partnership," Sharifov said.

According to him, Azerbaijan is the largest trading partner of the USA in the South Caucasus. There are 200 US companies operating in Azerbaijan. America has always supported the global transnational projects of Azerbaijan. And today Washington supports the project of the Southern Gas Corridor. At the same time, Sharifov noted the need to enhance the role of the United States as the co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group in ensuring peace in the region. -06D--