Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov received the delegation headed by Dr. Evelyn N. Farkas, United States Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia,Ukraine and Eurasia
Dr. Evelyn Farkas noted that the relations between Azerbaijan and the United States of America are on the level of strategic partnership. She underlined that the US's strategic interests on the fight against terrorism, energy security and peacekeeping operations coincide with the interests of Azerbaijan and the cooperation of both countries in these fields is praiseworthy. Noting that the transit opportunities provided by Azerbaijan for Afghanistan peacekeeping operation and the use of the airspace are highly appreciated by the USA, Dr. Evelyn Farkas thanked to Azerbaijan for these contributions.
Minister Elmar Mammadyarov stressed that Azerbaijan closely supports the international community in the fight against terrorism. The Minister also added that Azerbaijan contributes to the restoration of peace and stability in Afghanistan in bilateral and multilateral frameworks and the peacekeeping troops of Azerbaijan successfully serve in Afghanistan.
Speaking about the Azerbaijan-US relations Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said that public discussion of the issues regarding Azerbaijan by the certain circles in the USA and their actions against Azerbaijan are not in the spirit of the above-mentioned strategic ties between the two countries. He also added that the cooperation in energy, fight against terrorism, defense and security fields should complement the political relations.
Talking about the regional issues Minister Elmar Mammadyarov stated that protection of the independence, stability and security of Azerbaijan and continuation of the successful development are the most important tasks ahead of us. Speaking about the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, TAP and TANAP projects realized with the initiative and participation of Azerbaijan, Elmar Mammadyarov said that these projects will change the infrastructure and energy landscape of the region.
At the meeting the sides discussed the resolution process of Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and the issues of mutual concern.