Conference on prospects for development in Caspian basin held in US
Baku, 28 March (AZERTAC). A conference on “Prospects for development in the Caspian basin: the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the United States” was held Tuesday at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in U.S.
The moderators of the conference, consisted of two panels, were expert of the Heritage Foundation Ariel Kohen and representative of the Center for Strategic and International Studies Janusz Bugajski.
The conference was addressed by Chairman of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute Frederick Starr, scholar at the Middle East Institute Alex Vatanka, President of the Jamestown Foundation Glen Howard, professor of the George Washington University Marlène Laruelle, director general of bp`s Washington, DC office Greg Saunders, Azerbaijani ambassador to U.S. Elin Suleymanov, counselor of the embassy for economic affairs Nargiz Gurbanova, Georgian chargé d`affaires David Rakviashvili and World Bank`s specialist for Azerbaijan Rashmi Shankar.
Ariel Kohen and Frederick Starr spoke of Azerbaijan`s increasing role in the region and contribution of the country to ensuring energy security and fight against extremism and terrorism. They praised Azerbaijan`s relations with the United States and Israel as well as the recent prevention of assassination attempt on Israeli and American citizens.
Saunders described Azerbaijan as an important partner in energy security of Europe. He highly appreciated the fact that Azerbaijan is committed to integration into Euro-Atlantic structures.
Gurbanova spoke of economic accomplishments in Azerbaijan. She drew the attention to the fact that Azerbaijan is making investments in other countries. She added Azerbaijan is the biggest taxpayer in Georgia and initiator of a greatest project in Turkey.
Speaking at the event ambassador Elin Suleymanov said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev successfully continues the strategy founded by national leader Heydar Aliyev on cooperation with neighboring countries. He described Azerbaijan`s neighboring relations with Turkey and Georgia “exemplary.”
The diplomat said the U.S. should have a long-term strategy on the region. He also noted comprehensive development of the region depends on settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh conflict.
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