Washington hosts forum on Azerbaijan and its partners

Forum titled “Azerbaijan and Its Partners: Regional, European and Transatlantic” was held at the University Club of Washington, D.C on Monday. During the forum, the panelists spoke of the achievements of Azerbaijan during the past years in establishing secure and stable economic growth, despite facing problems in its region, and proving itself as a reliable partner in the energy and other sectors of economic activity. The speakers also called for a greater and more active role of the United States in the peace talks and helping resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan which continues to pose threats and risks to Azerbaijan and greater region of South Caucasus.

Counselor of the Embassy of Azerbaijan Republic in Washington Nargiz Grubanova told the audience about US-Azerbaijani strategic partnership and mutual interest in development of bilateral ties between two countries on the issues of security, economy and democratization.
The first panel titled “Azerbaijan and the Gas Corridor to Europe” and dedicated to the active role of Azerbaijani in providing energy security of Europe features presentations by Vladimir Socor, the Senior Fellow of Jamestown Foundation, Daniel D. Stein, Senior Advisor from Bureau of Energy Resources of the U.S. Department of State, Greg Saunders, Senior Director of International Affairs of BP.
The discussants spoke of the established energy infrastructure ensuring flow of resources to the world markets through Georgia and Turkey and Azerbaijan`s firm commitment in secure realization of these projects, as well as their economic and geostrategic importance. Information was given on the past and future milestones of the Trans-Anatolian natural gas pipeline (TANAP) project, Azerbaijan`s export of natural gas and its contribution to diversification of gas supplies to the European markets. The speakers discussed trilateral talks with participation of EU on the prospects of the Transcaspian gas pipeline.
The second panel titled “Regional and International Relations” and moderated by S. Frederick Starr, the Chairman of Central Asia-Caucasus Institute, included the presentation by David A. Merkel, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European & Eurasian Affairs who spoke of the importance of settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the US`s active engagement in international political events and processes notwithstanding, called the current U.S. administration to keep up its efforts in establishing peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Alexandros Petersen, Advisor at European Studies department of Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, in turn, provided insightful information on Azerbaijani-Turkish strategic partnership.

The keynote speech was delivered by former U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Matthew Bryza, on the policy of the United States on South Caucasus. Particular attention was drawn to Azerbaijan, its achievements after restoration of independence, especially in establishing a sustainable economic growth and subsequent transformation of Azerbaijani society. The speaker also evaluated the current situation vis-a-vis settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the need for the U.S. in coming up with a comprehensive approach to resolve the problems in the region.

The event was attended by the officials from the U.S. State Department, Congress, representatives of diplomatic corps in Washington, D.C., researchers and members of the press.


/AzerTAc/