Azerbaijan America Alliance hosts 2nd annual gala dinner
Washington, November 3 (AZERTAC). The Azerbaijan America Alliance (AAA) has hosted the 2nd annual gala dinner “Celebrating Today, Building Tomorrow” in Washington, D.C. for nearly 600 invited guests from Capitol Hill, the Diplomatic Corps, think tanks, academic and business communities.
This year`s event highlighted the innovative architectural development of Azerbaijan and the growing relationship between the United States and Azerbaijan, while celebrating the ancient and rich culture of this key ally in the South Caucasus region.
Delivering speeches at the ceremony Azerbaijani ambassador to US Elin Suleymanov and founder of the AAA Anar Mammadov spoke about the organization`s activities and its mission. Mammadov stated that the Azerbaijan America Alliance is a non-partisan, non-profit organization, with an educational mission to foster an atmosphere of mutual understanding and respect between the people of Azerbaijan and America. Through academic discussion, cultural programming, and political discourse, the Alliance is dedicated to promoting a lasting partnership between Azerbaijan and America.
Former Congressman and Chairman of the Alliance Dan Burton marked that Azerbaijan is a true friend of America, and it`s extremely important that we expand our relationship with Azerbaijan.
“The Azerbaijan America Alliance is working to strengthen those ties through its various activities and by hosting events such as tonight`s, where Americans can experience the vibrant culture and people of Azerbaijan,” he added.
The evening included Azerbaijani music and dance as well as a dinner featuring a traditional Azerbaijani menu. The event featured live musical performances by Eurovision Song Contest 2012 finalist Sabina Babayeva, the Pearl of Azerbaijan Dance Ensemble, Azerbaijani mugam singer Alim Gasimov and many others.
The honorary host committee of the gala dinner was comprised of Senators Richard Burr, Saxby Chambliss, Thad Cochran, Roger F. Wicker; US Representatives Gene Green, Randy Hultgren, Robert Aderholt, Corrine Brown, Luis Gutierrez, George Holding, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Walter Jones Jr., Adam Kinzinger, John Shimkus, Tim Ryan, Fred Upton; Larry Beasley, President & Chief Executive Officer of The Washington Times; Victor Shiblie, Editor-In-Chief of The Washington Diplomat; Steven Knapp, President of George Washington University and other cultural, business and media leaders.