U.S. Embassy Baku Press Statement

The U.S. Embassy is aware of recent local media reports attacking the U.S.-Azerbaijan relationship.  Claims that the United States is working to overthrow the Azerbaijani government are patently false and do an injustice to more than two decades of close cooperation between our countries.  The United States stood by Azerbaijan in the early days of its independence and took actions, including our support for the Contract of the Century, that helped secure Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and success.   

Our cooperation has only broadened with time.  America worked closely with Azerbaijan during its tenure on the UN Security Council.  The United States has provided over $1.3 billion in assistance and humanitarian supplies to Azerbaijan since 1992.  That assistance has included improvements to health care and sanitation; scholarships and training in the United States for over 5,000 Azerbaijanis; empowering Azerbaijani women in business and other roles: technical assistance to help farmers improve productivity and profits; and military cooperation that has enabled Azerbaijan to take on its meaningful role in global security and counterterrorism.   

Our support for Azerbaijan comes from the highest levels of the U.S.  government.  Secretary Kerry has met and corresponded with President Aliyev to discuss ways to strengthen our partnership.  There should be no doubt that the United States remains committed to partnering with Azerbaijan to achieve the most independent, stable, prosperous, democratic future possible.-02D-