POLITICS
Azerbaijan is US`s important strategic partner, Matthew Bryza
Baku, December 30 (AZERTAC). Azerbaijan is an important strategic partner of the US and our cooperation develops rapidly, said US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Matthew Bryza in the press conference marking the end his diplomatic mission.
The Ambassador spoke of the work done during 11 months, progress achieved towards expansion of the relations between the two countries. He especially touched on security, energy, internal reforms spheres.
M.Bryza said the sides boosted cooperation in security field. He underscored the importance of joint projects towards protection of energy infrastructures in the Caspian Sea.
On Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict the diplomat stressed significance of peaceful and fair settlement of the conflict, adding confidence building measures must be put in place in the contact line. “Current status quo is unacceptable and it`s important to achieve positive results in the negotiations process,” he stated.
The Ambassador expressed assurance that amount of foreign investments into the energy market of Azerbaijan will further increase and it will contribute to the development of the relevant sphere.
M.Bryza pointed out that great progress had been made in diversification of economic development. The oil sector grew 1.2 %, while non-oil sector 9 %.
The diplomat pointed out he witnessed positive changes in democracy, human rights and internal reforms spheres in the country.
“Azerbaijan and US are a friendly countries and we have plenty of common interests,” Bryza added.