At briefing, attended by representatives of foreign relations committees of Senate and House of Representatives, Mr. Pashayev assessed the meetings of Azeri President with the US President, Vice-President, Secretary of State, ministers of defense and trade, and other members of Administration as 'talks between strategic partners'. The diplomat said President Ilham Aliyev had a 4-hour meeting in Congress with the American legislators having discussed energy safety, the situation in Iraq and other questions of mutual interest.

‘I think, the basic issue in talks is Azerbaijan’s entrance to the world market as a gas producer’, he stressed. ‘Late this year the Shghdeniz gas will reach the European markets’, the diplomat reminded. ‘The latest events showed that there is a need for alternative gas supplier in region. After the BTC will fully operate, we can think about gas mains’.

After the president elections in 2003, the situation in Azerbaijan was misrepresented in the American media, and therefore, the visit of Azerbaijan President to the United States was delayed, Hafiz Pashayev said. The head of Azerbaijani state gave full and right information on real situation in the country, on political and economic reforms, the happenings in region. President Ilham Aliyev in the meeting with Mr. Bush has emphasized that he is satisfied with assistance received from the United States for development of democracy and hopes for further cooperation.

According to Ambassador, during the visit, a notable meeting took place with the representatives of the non-governmental organizations functioning in Azerbaijan. Attending the meeting, representatives of the USA national Democracy Fund confirmed that it is for the first time the head of state meets with NGO representatives. ‘Both sides were satisfied with the meeting’, the Ambassador said.

Asked ‘What novelties would you see in the Azeri-American relations in coming years?’ the Ambassador said: ‘Elimination of the unfair 907 Section adopted by Congress 13 years ago’.