Ceremony marking 95th anniversary of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic held in Washington
Baku, May 24 (AZERTAC). The embassy of Azerbaijan in the US hosted a solemn reception dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic at the Andrew Mellon Auditorium, one of the most grandiose historical buildings of Washington.
The event was attended by senior officials of the US Administration, congressmen, high-ranking individuals of the US military forces, diplomats, as well as representatives of Azerbaijani, Turkish and Jewish communities.
Prior to the beginning, the Argentine singer Maria Entraigues performed the national anthems of Azerbaijan and the United States.
Addressing the event, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the US Elin Suleymanov stressed the role of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in restoration of the country`s statehood traditions. He said that Azerbaijan, which regained its independence in 1991, had become a regional leader both in terms of politics and economy.
US Department of State special envoy and coordinator for international energy affairs, Ambassador Carlos Pascual conveyed congratulations of President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry.
Pascual stressed the invaluable role of Azerbaijan in realization of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline. “It is not just a pipeline. It was an indication of independence. Today, we see Azerbaijan in that leadership position once again. As it develops Shahdeniz 2 project it looks for the first time to create Southern Corridor gas coming from Caspian region to Europe. The United States supports this project,” said Carlos Pascual.
Pascual praised Azerbaijan`s contributions to Europe`s energy security, as well as its role as a logistics point for NATO forces in Afghanistan.
“Energy resources, I know have also become a huge factor in a way that Azerbaijan is trying to diversify its economy at home. So that is not just an energy state, but it is state that is growing on sound economic foundations,” said the special envoy.
Pascual expressed confidence that the Azerbaijan-US cooperation would further develop.
Congratulating the Azerbaijani people on the occasion of the Republic Day, co-chair of the congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, Congressman Steve Cohen spoke of the importance of further enhancing the current cooperation between the US and Azerbaijan.
Congressman Dana Rohrabacher said the US would continue to develop the friendly relations with Azerbaijan. The Congressman described Azerbaijan`s independence as a “great historical event”. He expressed confidence that this independence would be sustainable and invincible.
Later, chief of protocol and international affairs at Washington government Patricia Elwood read out the congratulatory declaration of Mayor Vincent Gray.
The reception was followed by a concert program.
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