Washington, March 14 (AZERTAG) On March 13, the Turkic American Convention titled “Energy, Trade and Development Forum” and organized by Turkic American Alliance (TAA) and Tuskon International was held at JW Marriott Hotel, drawing hundreds of participants from all over the United States as well as from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The venue, steps away from the White House, included panels hosting experts, scholars and officials elected officials from the United States and government representatives from Turkic countries. The convention kicked off with a formal breakfast with remarks by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL) and Congressman Mark Meadows (NC), who commended the TAA for the start of a successful convention. After the breakfast, there were four consecutive sessions on Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey.

The panel on Azerbaijan, moderated by International Affairs Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations Joshua Walker, included Congressman Ted Poe from Texas, Chairman of the Committee of International and Inter-Parliamentary Relations of Parliament of Azerbaijan Samad Seyidov, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Eric Rubin, Ambassador of Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States Elin Suleymanov, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and Director of National Security Council David Merkel and former Congressman Michael McMahon from New York.

As the first speaker of the session, Congressman Ted Poe told the audience about natural bond between oil-producing Azerbaijan and the State of Texas. He congratulated Azerbaijan on many accomplishments including building strong partnership with the United States, gaining reputable position in the international community, becoming a reliable supplier of hydrocarbons and launching its first-ever satellite into space. The congressman underlined that his country is committed to strong friendship with Azerbaijan and that “our nations are safe from those who want to do us harm.” Ted Poe appreciated the joint efforts of the Azerbaijani government in the War on Terror highlighting the importance of Northern Distribution Network.

Chairman of the Committee of International and Inter-Parliamentary Relations of Parliament of Azerbaijan, Samad Seyidov told the audience about the achievements of Azerbaijan in a short span of two decades since restoration of its independence. Despite the economic growth and decreasing of poverty in the country from 49% in 2003 to 7% in 2012, remarked the speaker, 20 percent of Azerbaijani lands remained under occupation by Armenia. The Member of Azerbaijani Parliament then spoke about Azerbaijan’s commitment to diversify energy supplies to Europe and Azerbaijan-Turkey- funded TANAP pipeline project, underlining that when Europe was in crisis, Azerbaijan and Turkey took the financial responsibility to commit to realization of TANAP as part of Southern Corridor. Samad Seyidov also told the audience about the investment into social reforms by Heydar Aliyev Foundation led by the First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and multiparty system of Azerbaijani Parliament where members of 11 political parties had seats.

Next speaker, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Eric Rubin remarked the importance of Azerbaijan and its difficult geographic location and took pride in having been a member of the team which established diplomatic relations with Azerbaijan in 1992. Mr Rubin noted three key pillars of U.S.-Azerbaijani relationship: security, energy and economic reform. He praised Azerbaijan for commitment of its troops in Afghanistan where 94 Azerbaijani soldiers are deployed, commended Baku for playing “central role in diversification of energy supplies to Europe” and dedication to economic reforms. Touching upon the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, State Department official said that the status quo was unacceptable and that the appointment of an U.S. Co-chair to the OSCE Minsk Group is to be made soon. “The relationship is dynamic and we have an unwavering commitment to Azerbaijan’s security, sovereignty and just resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict”, concluded Mr. Rubin.

Ambassador Elin Suleymanov thanked the United States government for its support to Azerbaijan throughout its independence. The diplomat noted that the commitment to diversification of energy supplies through the planned Southern Corridor is done with the support of the United States. He highlighted the achievements of Azerbaijan on international arena under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. Elin Suleymanov then drew the attention of the audience to the topic of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, stating that although Azerbaijan has become a non-permanent member of UN Security Council and has been involved in resolving international conflicts from South Sudan to Mali, its own territory remains under occupation by Armenia, despite the four UN SC resolutions demanding withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from Azerbaijani territories, that were passed 20 years ago at the same venue. The diplomat expressed hope for timely appointment of U.S. co-chair to OSCE Minsk group and active role of Washington in the resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and Director of National Security Council David Merkel talked about strategic U.S.-Azerbaijani bilateral relations. Mr Merkel noted that apart from U.S. caring about mutually beneficial ties in energy, security, business, it should also show its support for what’s vital for Azerbaijan - resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Furthermore, he commended the Azerbaijani leadership for social development, indicating that “youth in Azerbaijan is excited about their future within Azerbaijan”, not necessarily outside of it.

Former Congressman Michael McMahon drew the attention of the audience on the existence of a large refugee population in Azerbaijan from Nagorno-Karabakh war, called the U.S. government to take steps for its increased role in resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and repeal Section 907.

During luncheon program, Members of Azerbaijani Parliament, Asim Mollazade and Sevinj Fataliyeva delivered speeches on importance of Azerbaijan, its accomplishments in a short span of years, and the unresolved conflict with Armenia which militarily occupies Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. Member of Azerbaijani Parliament, Sahiba Gafarova also extended remarks during the evening gala program on behalf of Azerbaijani delegation participating at the convention and reiterated Azerbaijan’s commitment to U.S.-Azerbaijani friendship. Attending the convention was also a delegation of SOCAR representatives led by Vice-President Khalik Mammadov.

Among the high-ranking members of the U.S. administration and Congress were Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert Blake, Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, who met with the leaders of organizations and representatives of governments, and dozens of U.S. congressmen in attendance of the gala program.

Yusif Babanly,

Washington