Greetings from the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Washington, DC. In this edition of the news digest, you will find stories about celebration of the Republic Day of Azerbaijan, 24th International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference, Azerbaijan’s contribution to operations in Afghanistan, Trans-Caspian East-West Trade and Transit Corridor Forum, upcoming Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix as well as about Azerbaijan-U.S. and Azerbaijan-Israel relations. To learn more about the Embassy’s activities, please remember to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

President Donald Trump congratulates President of Azerbaijan on the occasion of Republic Day
Azertag.az

President of the United States of America Donald Trump congratulated President Ilham Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of Republic Day. In his congratulatory letter President Trump says: “Azerbaijan is a valued partner of the United States. Together, we are working to enhance global security through our joint counterterrorism efforts. We stand with the people of Azerbaijan and are committed to strengthening our relationship through dialogue on security, economic cooperation, and democratic principles. You are building new sources of energy for Europe, and we are grateful for our long and successful history of cooperation in this area. As you move to diversify your economy, we look forward to building new business ties to the benefit of both our countries. The United States also strongly supports the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.”

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson congratulates Azerbaijan on Republic Day
U.S. Department of State

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson congratulated the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the Republic Day. In his message, Secretary Tillerson says: “On behalf of the American people, I want to extend my sincere congratulations to the Azerbaijani people on the commemoration of their Republic Day. The United States and Azerbaijan share a strong partnership, built through years of cooperation on energy and security issues as well as dialogue on democratic principles.”

Under Secretary of State Thomas Shannon: Azerbaijan remains a close partner of US in many areas
Apa.az

Washington, D.C. hosted a solemn dinner reception on the occasion of May 28 – Republic Day and the upcoming Day of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan. Addressing the reception, US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon stressed that Azerbaijan remains a close partner of the US in many areas. He underlined that Azerbaijan contributes to the energy security of Europe and the world by offering new energy sources. Shannon noted that the launch of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline in 2006 marked a critical phase of the bilateral partnership. With regard to the Southern Gas Corridor project, Shannon emphasized Azerbaijan’s key role in the processing and exporting of US energy resources, referring to President Donald Trump’s recent letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in connection with the 24th International Oil and Gas Exhibition held in Baku. The diplomat outlined that the US is interested to develop trade and business relations with Azerbaijan, adding that his country gives huge importance to cooperating with Azerbaijan in countering terrorism.

Azerbaijan Republic Day and the Armed Forces Day reception hosted by the Embassy

Photos from festive and well-attended celebration of the Azerbaijan Republic Day and the Armed Forces Day hosted by the Embassy at the Andrew Mellon Auditorium in Washington,DC

Listen to the John Batchelor Show as Ambassador Suleymanov talks about his interview to Comedy Central
The John Batchelor Show

Listen to the John Batchelor Show as Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the U.S. Elin Suleymanov talks about his interview to Comedy Central, Azerbaijan’s contribution to operations in Afghanistan as well as about situation in the Middle East.

General Dunford: We were able to reinforce and resupply our forces in Afghanistan as a result of the access that Azerbaijan provided to us
Caspian Policy Center

US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford, during the hearings on the budget of the Department of Defense in the House of Representatives of the Congress, noted the great role of Azerbaijan in the US operation in Afghanistan, according to a message posted on the Department’s website. He recalled visiting Azerbaijan in February and meeting with the country’s leadership. Answering a question about the role of Azerbaijan as one of the US allies in the region in the operation in Afghanistan, Dunford thanked the country for providing help with Afghanistan, mentioning access through Azerbaijan to get to Afghanistan.

President Trump says values US-Azerbaijan partnership, looks forward to its growth
Trend News Agency

President of the United States of America Donald J. Trump sent a letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of the 24th International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference in Baku. “Please accept my best wishes to you and the people of Azerbaijan on the 24th annual International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference in Baku. I value the partnership the United States and Azerbaijan have built together over the last quarter century and look forward to its continued growth,” President Trump told President Aliyev in his letter.

President Ilham Aliyev meets US deputy assistant secretary of state for energy diplomacy
Trend News Agency

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Diplomacy at the Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources Robin Dunnigan. President Ilham Aliyev thanked Robin Dunnigan for attending the 24th International Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition and Conference and asked her to thank US President Donald Trump for the warm words he said in his message addressed to the exhibition participants. The head of state pointed that it is very important that the US government continues to support the global projects implemented in Azerbaijan. Hailing the good history of cooperation between the two countries in this area, President Ilham Aliyev noted that the US government has always firmly supported the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan project and the projects implemented later, including the Southern Gas Corridor. “The US president’s remarks in his message to the exhibition reaffirm the new US administration’s commitment to this project. We appreciate this. I think that what is said in this letter is another sign of support given to Azerbaijan and friendly relations between our two countries,” President Ilham Aliyev said. US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Diplomacy in the Department of State's Bureau of Energy Resources Robin Dunnigan said: "We are grateful to you both for your personal support to our energy cooperation and Azerbaijan's support for the strengthening of energy security in the region. You noted that the US President Donald Trump's message is indicative of the continuation of the new administration's support under the leadership of the US president. You are absolutely right. The remarks both in this message and in the message by the Secretary of State Rex Tillerson addressed to the third Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Council, as well as my participation in this exhibition is the manifestation of our commitment to continuing our cooperation not only in the energy sector, but in other areas, and our joint work towards the realization of the Southern Gas Corridor.”

Sefcovic: Azerbaijani gas to be important source of stability
Trend News Agency

Azerbaijani gas will be an important source of stability, said the European Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic in his video message to participants of the 24th Caspian International Oil and Gas Exhibition. “Azerbaijan is a very important partner for Europe. It is the key enabler of the Southern Gas Corridor, which is strategic in helping the EU to further diversify its energy sources, to achieve its climate goals and to improve geopolitical balance and stability in Europe,” said Sefcovic.

Azerbaijan has become regional energy security provider - President
Azvision.az

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent a letter to the participants of the 24th International Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition and Conference. “Today, Azerbaijan is known as a reliable partner in the world. Along with fulfilling all obligations, we have also created favorable condition for foreign investors. The way of Azerbaijan’s progress, which started with signing agreements with the leading global companies, proved that it is a worthy partner on Eurasian energy security. It became a country both initiating global transnational projects and implementing them. Shahdeniz 2, South Caucasus Pipeline Expansion, TANAP, TAP are successful steps that strengthened Azerbaijan’s global partnership”, the letter said.

Azerbaijan is the railroad crossroads of Eurasia
The John Batchelor Show

Listen to the John Batchelor Show as Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the U.S. Elin Suleymanov talks about East-West and North-South railroads being built in Azerbaijan.

Boeing, Azerbaijan Airlines Announce Commitment for Four 787 Dreamliners
PR Newswire

Boeing and Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) announced a commitment for four 787-8 Dreamliners at the 2017 Paris Air Show. The announcement, valued at $918 million at list prices, will be posted to the Boeing Orders and Deliveries website once finalized. "The decision to order additional 787 Dreamliners represents significant growth opportunities for Azerbaijan Airlines," said Jahangir Askerov, president of AZAL. "As one of the leading CIS carriers, we look forward to expanding our network with proven performance capabilities that the 787 provides." "Today's commitment opens a new chapter in our partnership with Azerbaijan Airlines," said Marty Bentrott, vice president of Sales, Middle East, Turkey, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are confident that the market-leading efficiency and comfort of their new 787 Dreamliners will contribute to Azerbaijan's fleet modernization plans and build onto their long-term success for many years to come."

Empowerment of Women in Azerbaijan and Georgia Discussed on Capitol Hill
USACC

United States-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC) in conjunction with over twenty women business leaders, CEO’s and entrepreneurs successfully concluded a briefing on Capitol Hill titled Transformation and Economic Empowerment of Women: Case Studies of Georgia and Azerbaijan. The initiative was launched by women-entrepreneurs, in particular CEO of “C.L. Russell Group” Ms. Connie Russell and CEO of “Browne & Associates, Inc” and President of “National Medical Association” Dr. Doris Browne, who traveled to Azerbaijan and Georgia in September 2016 as part of a U.S. trade mission. The event was supported by many women Representatives of U.S. Congress, including Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee as well as U.S. Department of Commerce. Azerbaijani Ambassador Elin Suleymanov delivered welcoming remarks, noting the rich history of the country in uplifting women. As Azerbaijan is the first Muslim country to enfranchise women with voting rights, he stressed the importance of women’s role in Azerbaijani society, both past and future. Keynote Speaker Holly Vineyard, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce also noted the importance of regular trade missions to the region and new initiatives, government procurement and economic resources for empowering women in the U.S. and the region.

Trans-Caspian East-West Trade & Transit Corridor Forum
U.S. Chamber of Commerce

On June 26 – 27, 2017 the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will be an Official Partner of the Trans-Caspian East-West Trade & Transit Corridor Forum. These countries plan to attract substantial U.S., Chinese, Japanese, European and local investment in new infrastructure that will expedite transit, and improve economic conditions for more than 110 million consumers. The Forum will take place at the The City View Room at The George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs. This forum brings together the Central Asia, Caspian and Black Sea strategic regions to form a viable trade and transit corridor between Europe and East & South-East Asia. Connecting trade, people and economies, the modern Trans-Caspian corridor has an extensive and integrated network of infrastructure, special economic zones, harmonized customs and cross-border procedures along the route.

Azerbaijan’s Inspiring Example
Jewish Press

Rabbi Israel Barouk writes: “While acts of hate and intolerance are on the rise in so many places, there is a small country located in the Caucasus Mountains that strives to follow the words of this scripture and that has been a beacon of tolerance for centuries. Nearly two years ago I wandered the streets of the predominantly Muslim country of Azerbaijan wearing an overt symbol of my Jewish faith – a kippah. My kippah wasn’t met with stares or ugly words – it was accepted and greeted with kindness. This is but one instance of religious tolerance I experienced during my trip, but it speaks volumes to Azerbaijan’s culture of embracing and welcoming all religious minorities within its borders.”

Baku will host Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Formula 1

The F1 paddock heads back across the Atlantic to its third street track in a row for this weekend’s 2017 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Those involved look ahead to competing around the spectacular Baku City Circuit.