Baku, July 21 (AZERTAC). The United States` Embassy to Azerbaijan has held an official reception to mark the 234th anniversary of the country`s independence.

Addressing the event, Adam Sterling, Chargé d`Affaires at the embassy, said the United States and Azerbaijan enjoy “multifaceted and strategic” partnership relations. He said like the USA, Azerbaijan has chosen the path of towards freedom, expressing assurance that “this choice will ensure a future providing independence, peace and progress”.

The diplomat pointed out that his country supports political and economic reforms implemented in Azerbaijan. “The United States will continue to support its strategic partner, Azerbaijan, in ensuring the security, strengthening the independence and developing the economy,” Sterling added.

He recalled a recent visit of the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Azerbaijan, describing the visit as a “great contribution” to boosting the bilateral ties.

The US diplomat praised Azerbaijan`s role in ensuring global security and fighting international terrorism.

On behalf of the Azerbaijani government, Minister of Finance Samir Sharifov congratulated participants of the reception and wished the people of America peace and prosperity.

Sharifov described the two countries` relations as strategic, adding Azerbaijan and the US enjoy good cooperation in energy, security and humanitarian fields.

He said foreign policy carried out by President Ilham Aliyev makes huge contribution to further strengthening the Azerbaijan-US relations, developing the democracy and struggling the terror.

On the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Sharifov called the United States and the international community to increase efforts towards its resolution.

The official reception was also attended by top Azeri officials, including department heads at the Presidential Administration Ali Hasanov and Novruz Mammadov.

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