PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE U.S. EMBASSY IN BAKU
Characterizing the current state of the US-Azerbaijan relationship, Ambassador Harnish noted that after waiver of the section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, cooperation between the two countries had been expanded, and that economic development of Azerbaijan is within the scope of the US national interests. According to Mr. Harnish, the United State cooperates in this connection with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, supports their recommendations and proposals, as well as the decrees by President Ilham Aliyev on poverty reduction and acceleration of the economic development of the country.
He stressed as well that the US and Azerbaijan are reliable trade partners: the US Chamber of Commerce now functioning in Azerbaijan includes 125 American companies operating in Azerbaijan. Hundreds of Azeri citizens are employed by these companies, the Ambassador said.
Mr. Reno Harnish also announced that the regular meeting of the US-Azerbaijan working group headed by Assistant Coordinator Carlos Pascual for the United States, and Minister of Finance Avaz Alekberov for Azerbaijan. The meeting, according to the Ambassador, will focus on the above-mentioned issues, as well as that of Azerbaijan’s joining the World trade Organization.
Head of the US Department of State Office of Commercial and Business Affairs Frank Mermoud pointed out good possibilities existing in Azerbaijan for not only political but also economic cooperation between the two counties. Trade relations can be enlarged, he said. Mr. Mermoud offered assistance to Azerbaijan in purchasing aircrafts, and provide radar and agrarian services, describing it as very important spheres of developing economy. I share the Ambassadors’ opinion that Azerbaijan and the United States are business partners, he added.
Later on, Mr. Reno Harnish and Mr. Frank Mermoud responded to the numerous questions from the journalists.
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