First Lady meets Laura Bush, U.S. officials

In a warm conversation, the two countries' first ladies talked about the role of education, healthcare and culture in strengthening of Azerbaijan-US relationship. They informed each other on the projects and programs being implemented in these spheres in their countries.

The projects being implemented in Azerbaijan by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation aroused Mrs. Bush's particular interest.

Investments into the sphere of education were recognized by the First Ladies as the most valuable for the future of both countries. They underlined the significance of making joint efforts in this direction. Laura Bush informed Mehriban Aliyeva on US experience in cooperation with other countries. In conclusion, the First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva invited her American counterpart Laura Bush to pay a visit to Azerbaijan.

In the frame of the visit, Mehriban Aliyeva also met with Senator Key Bailey Hutchison and Congresswoman Shelly Sekula-Gibbs.

Mentioning successful development of the Azerbaijan-US relationship, the First Lady of Azerbaijan pointed out the importance of boosting cooperation between the two countries. She touched upon the significance of the energy projects being implemented in the Caspian basin, especially noting the important role of US in their realization.

Senator Hutchison described US-Azerbaijan cooperation as successful, mentioning large amount of investments made by American companies in Azerbaijan. Senator said she was pleased with visiting Azerbaijan, adding "it is very important for us to have friends in the region." In the end of the meeting, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva and Mrs. Kay Bailey Hutchison signed a memorandum on cooperation was signed between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the non-governmental humanitarian organization Vital Voice headed by the Senator.

The First Lady also met at the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Washington DC with Azerbaijan students studying in various American universities. She said that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation that gives priority to implementation of education-related projects. Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva emphasized that the Decree to be signed by President Ilham Aliyev will open wide opportunities for gifted students from Azerbaijan to study in foreign countries. She called on the student to return to the Motherland and use their knowledge for development of the country.

An official reception in honor of the First Lady of Azerbaijan was organized by the US-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce at the Andrew Mellon Auditorium. It was attended by more than 300 persons including top-ranking officials from the White House, Department of State, Congressmen, renowned political and public figures, and ambassadors of foreign countries accredited in the United States.

Speaking to the audience, Mehriban Aliyeva expressed satisfaction with visiting US and the hope that this visit will contribute to further expansion and strengthening of bilateral cooperation.

At the reception, the First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva was presented with the US-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce's "Goodwill Ambassador 2006" prize. AzerTAg