U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov, and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian, representing the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries, express support for the resumption of direct dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan under the auspices of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs. The Co-Chair …
Read More» The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Andrew Schofer of the United States of America, Igor Khovaev of the Russian Federation, and Brice Roquefeuil of France) released the following statement today: The Co-Chairs met with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on 1 December and with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jehun Bayramov on 2 December on the …
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Secretary Blinken spoke with Azerbaijani Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov on our intensified efforts to resolve issues related to and resulting from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The United States will stay engaged, including through the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair process.
Read More» As delivered by Chargé d’Affaires Courtney Austrian to the Permanent Council, Vienna Thank you, Madam Chair. The United States joins our colleagues in welcoming Andrew Schofer, Ambassador Igor Khovaev, and Ambassador Brice Roquefeuil, Co-Chairs of the Minsk Group, together with the Chairpersonship’s Personal Representative, Ambassador Kasprzyk, to the Permanent Council today. The United States attaches …
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The United States is deeply concerned about reports of intensive fighting today between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We urge both sides to take immediate concrete steps to reduce tensions and avoid further escalation. We also call on the sides to engage directly and constructively to resolve all outstanding issues, including border demarcation. As noted in the Minsk Group …
Read More» PARIS, 11 November 2021 The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Andrew Schofer of the United States of America, Igor Khovaev of the Russian Federation, and Brice Roquefeuil of France) released the following statement today: The Co-Chairs met separately in Paris with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on November …
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Ned Price, Department Spokesperson This week, the United States and the international community recognize the one-year anniversary of the ceasefire declaration that ended 44 days of intense fighting between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces in the South Caucasus. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those killed and injured during the hostilities last year. …
Read More» To promote regional peace and cooperation, the United States is pleased to announce $500,000 for humanitarian demining operations in areas affected by the fall 2020 intensive fighting between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces in the South Caucasus. Landmines and unexploded ordnance across the conflict zone continue to kill and maim civilians, block economic development, and impede …
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Erika Olson, the newly appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, will travel to Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia to promote regional reconciliation and discuss bilateral issues. While in Baku, DAS Olson will meet with representatives of the Azerbaijani government and civil society, as well …
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Erika Olson, the newly appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, will travel to Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia to promote regional cooperation and discuss bilateral issues. While in Yerevan, DAS Olson will participate in a regional Chiefs of Mission meeting in November 2-4, joining …
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Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of European and Eurasian Affairs Dereck Hogan and National Security Council Senior Director for Europe Amanda Sloat, met on September 27 with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Stephane Visconti of France, Andrew Schofer of the United States, and Igor Khovaev of the Russian Federation, as well as Personal Representative of the OSCE …
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At today’s Fifth Conference on Community Development, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) celebrated its decade-long partnership with the people and the Government of Azerbaijan in the context of USAID’s Socio-Economic Development Activity (SEDA). The 10-year SEDA program has contributed to the strengthening of citizen participation and the partnership between citizens and public …
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The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director in Azerbaijan Dr. Jaidev Singh joined citizens of Balakan, Gakh and Zagatala to inaugurate projects supporting their communities funded by USAID. Citizens in these communities contributed significant time and money to improve community infrastructure by improving non-potable water supply and building a safe playground for children. These …
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Last week Officers from the U.S. Embassy’s Economic team visited the Port of Baku. The Economic Section’s visit to the Port of Baku helped to illustrate the important role the port plays in Trans-Caspian trade. Did you know that Baku Port was named the first Green Port in the Caspian region in 2019 by the …
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Last week the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) conducted a series of meetings and implemented a training seminar in Baku with the Azerbaijani Ministry of Emergency Situations. DTRA enables the U.S. Government and International Partners to counter and deter weapons of mass destruction and emerging threats. The Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Executive Seminar …
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Ambassador Litzenberger hosted Vladanka Andreeva, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Azerbaijan, at the U.S. Embassy for a meeting today. We are pleased to work with the UN and other international organizations in Azerbaijan on a variety of projects and shared priorities. One example is our global effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Our …
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The Symposium, held by the Center of Excellence in EU Studies at ADA University in partnership with the NATO Energy Security Center of Excellence, the Naval Postgraduate School, BP in Azerbaijan, and State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) brought together high-caliber professionals and decision-makers from ministries, foreign missions, and experts of academic …
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On Monday, Ambassador Litzenberger received a warm welcome for his first-ever trip to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, where he met with local government officials, academics and recipients of U.S. funded grants and scholarships. During his visit, he has also visited some of Nakhchivan’s most important cultural and historical sites. The United States strongly believes in …
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Members of the Embassy’s alumni community – including several who had studied in Oklahoma – enjoyed the opportunity to meet Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt at a special reception the Embassy hosted to bring them together. Governor Stitt remarked on how he had been told that Azerbaijanis contributions had enriched the classroom atmosphere at his state’s …
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It was a historic visit to Ganja as Azerbaijan State Agriculture University and Oklahoma State University signed a memorandum of understanding that will pave the way for future cooperation between the two universities, leading to new agricultural innovation. On hand to participate in the signing were Minister of Agriculture Inam Karimov, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, …
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Oklahoma’s friendship with Azerbaijan grew new roots in 2019 with the Oklahoma-Azerbaijan Agricultural Forum. Today, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur met with Azerbaijani Minister of Agriculture Inam Karimov to explore new ways to help Oklahoma’s and Azerbaijan’s farmers learn from each other and work together.
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The special friendship between Azerbaijan and Oklahoma was launched in 2002 when the Oklahoma National Guard and Azerbaijan Ministry of Defense first signed a cooperation agreement. Today, Azerbaijan Minister of Defense Zakir Hasanov, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, and head of the Oklahoma National Guard Major General Michael Thompson met at the Ministry to discuss ways …
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Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and his team enjoyed a very productive meeting with President Aliyev this morning. The two discussed Oklahoma and Azerbaijan’s long-standing partnership and how they can widen it to include new fields. Thanks to the Governor’s gift of a custom-made, Oklahoma cowboy hat, President Aliyev looks like he’s ready to visit the …
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Governor Stitt’s first stop in country was the Embassy, where we were proud to fly the Oklahoma State Flag. Azerbaijan and Oklahoma have been active partners for almost 20 years, and the Governor has brought his team here to work with Azerbaijan’s leadership to expand the relationship. Welcome to Baku, Governor Stitt
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Today, USAID Baku and the Azerbaijan Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA) signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to boost bilateral cooperation to support the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Azerbaijan. Ambassador Litzenberger and USAID Mission Director Jay Singh participated in the ceremony. SMEs, including many small family-owned businesses, are …
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Today, Ambassador Litzenberger traveled to Shamakhi District to participate in the delivery of three mobile clinics, which will provide essential health services to thousands of people living in Shamakhi City, and its surrounding rural communities. The new clinics were procured by USAID/Azerbaijan and the British Embassy Azerbaijan. During his visit, Ambassador Litzenberger also announced that …
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The Embassy was delighted to participate in last week’s ceremony welcoming the second class of the ADA University-George Washington University joint-Master’s degree program in computer science and data analytics. Featuring the talent of two of our countries’ most prestigious universities, the program is playing an important role in bringing together Azerbaijanis and Americans, and enhancing …
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The United States welcomes the release by Azerbaijan of 15 Armenian detainees and their return to their families in Armenia. We also welcome Armenia’s decision to provide to Azerbaijan important information that will facilitate humanitarian demining and avoid future casualties. We are grateful to Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and the Government of Georgia for the …
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Good afternoon, everyone. It’s a real pleasure to be here in Baku on behalf of Secretary Blinken. I had hoped to visit the region sooner – this trip was originally scheduled for March 2020 – but COVID disrupted those plans until now. My colleagues and I have held productive discussions so far, and we’re grateful …
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The Embassy is delighted to welcome 🇺🇸 Acting Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Philip Reeker to Azerbaijan. While in Baku, Ambassador Reeker will meet with Azerbaijani officials to discuss ways to advance the relationship between our two countries, as well as talk with members of civil society and the Azerbaijani media. Welcome …
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On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Azerbaijan as you celebrate Republic Day and mark the 1918 establishment of the first democratic government in the Muslim world. The United States values the thirty years of partnership with Azerbaijan on economic, energy, and security cooperation, and our …
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Ports and rail networks play an important role to keep the economies running, particularly for countries like Azerbaijan and the United States. Yesterday, Ambassador Litzenberger delivered remarks at the first session of a three-day “Connecting Eurasia: Smart Ports and Rail Forum” to highlight the important role American companies can play to promote Azerbaijan as a …
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The United States welcomes the broad March 18 pardon and release of more than 30 secular and religious opposition figures, all of whom Azerbaijani NGOs consider to have been incarcerated for exercising their fundamental freedoms. They include journalist Elchin Ismayilli and many individuals unjustly incarcerated after the 2015 Nardaran events. In the spirit of the …
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Today, Ambassador Litzenberger attended the signing ceremony for a new MOU between Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University (Azərbaycan Dövlət Pedaqoji Universiteti) and the “Together and Healthy” (Birgə və Sağlam İctimai Birliyi) Public Union (THPU) that will expand support for Azerbaijani children with autism. Supported by USAID/Azerbaijan, ASPU and THPU will partner together to provide necessary skills …
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Today, Ambassador Litzenberger traveled to the village of Melham in Shamakhi District with Mukhtar Babayev, the Azerbaijani Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources. During the visit, the Minister and the Ambassador launched a new weather forecasting station in partnership with Baron Weather, an American weather technology company. This partnership is yet another great example of …
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Coca-Cola Azerbaijan has won the 2020 U.S. Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE) for its work promoting women’s economic empowerment. The Secretary’s annual Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE) is one of the U.S. Department of State’s most prestigious international awards, given to three U.S. companies that uphold high standards as responsible members of their communities and represent American values in …
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BAKU/YEREVAN/MOSCOW, 14 December 2020 – The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stephane Visconti of France, and Andrew Schofer of the United States of America) released the following statement today: French Co-Chair Stephane Visconti and U.S. Co-Chair Andrew Schofer traveled to Baku 12 and 13 December and Yerevan 13 and 14 December. In Baku, they …
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Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Deputy Secretary of State Stephen E. Biegun on October 24, 2020 and reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to implement and abide by the humanitarian ceasefire agreed in Moscow on October 10, which were reaffirmed in the statement issued from Paris on October 17, …
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We are very happy to announce that the Jr. NBA League is now officially launched in Baku allowing Azerbaijani teenagers to play basketball in a league organized and supported by the world’s top basketball league. This Jr. NBA membership will encourage and support youth basketball participation and improve the overall youth basketball experience in Azerbaijan. …
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Ambassador Litzenberger participated in a ceremony launching the George Washington University-Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University dual-degree program in education management. During his speech the ambassador noted that it is a key priority for us at the Embassy to help Azerbaijani and American institutions of higher education find ways to work together. He added that he believes …
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The U.S. Embassy’s Office of Defense Cooperation sponsored a joint Military Medical Strategy Meeting last week in Baku, to help participants focus on identifying long-term planning goals for joint military medical capabilities. The event brought medical professionals from the United States Air Force-Europe (USAFE), the United States Army-Europe (USAREUR), the Oklahoma National Guard, and counterparts …
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Ambassador Litzenberger joined the celebration of the conclusion of a U.S. Department of Defense-supported four-month English-language course for officers of Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces. This was the fourteenth time that the United States Defense Language Institute (DLI) provided English-language training via Mobile Training Teams for the officers of the Ministry of Defense and the fourth time …
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The United States Embassy in Azerbaijan joins the European Union in strongly condemning the violence used by police to disperse and arrest participants and bystanders during the peaceful October 19 protest in Baku. We call on the government to credibly investigate reports of police violence, hold accountable those responsible, and release expeditiously those who remain …
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The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stéphane Visconti of France, and Andrew Schofer of the United States of America) met separately and jointly with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan on the margins of the UN General Assembly. The Co-Chairs were joined in …
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Dear Mr. President: On behalf of the United States of America, I would like to extend greetings and congratulations to you and to the people of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the 25th anniversary of the signing of the “Contract of the Century.” This year’s 25th anniversary commemoration comes at a time when Azerbaijan continues …
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As we celebrate the U.S. Department of State 230th and Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs 100th anniversaries, we are pleased to share a video about Azerbaijani and American champions of diplomacy. Diplomats Biz bu il iki xüsusi ildönümünü qeyd edirik: Dövlət Departamentinin 230 illik yubileyi və Azərbaycan Xarici İşlər Nazirliyi/Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan 100 …
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Today Ambassador Litzenberger participated at the USAID Azerbaijan-funded conference on eliminating “forbidden professions” for women. During his speech the Ambassador emphasized the importance of equal access for candidates to any job, regardless of their gender.
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Ambassador Litzenberger joined USAID Mission Director Jay Singh on a visit to Zaqatala this week. The trip highlighted U.S. support for women entrepreneurs and emphasized our assistance to the development of Azerbaijan’s agricultural sector. During the trip, the Ambassador met with local business leaders and discussed the role of women in the workforce, agricultural sector …
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Dear Mr. President: Please accept my best wishes as you celebrate the 26th anniversary of the International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition. Azerbaijan is more prosperous and connected to the global economy than at any time in its history. Oil and gas production from Azerbaijan continues to increase stability in world energy markets, including through …
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Ambassador Litzenberger and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Logsdon attended the 26th Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition and met with U.S. companies interested in investing in Azerbaijan. At the exhibition, Ambassador Litzenberger and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Logsdon greeted President Aliyev at the Halliburton booth.
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Ambassador Litzenberger visited a USAID-supported demonstration orchard and training facility in Guba that teaches local farmers how to maximize their fruit production. The orchard has provided over 85 farmers with virus-free fruit saplings which will grow into disease-free Guba apples, cherries, plums and pears.
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“Mr. Peter Haas, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, joined Minister of Finance Samir Sharifov today for the U.S.-Azerbaijan Economic Partnership Commission. This is the first time since 2012 the two countries have held these discussions. The two sides discussed ways to increase bilateral trade and investment, including through economic diversification, protection …
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U.S. Ambassador Lee Litzenberger visited the Caspian Agro Exhibition on Wednesday, which featured nine U.S. companies exhibiting their products and services. The nine companies include Brandt, Soil Biotics, Trece, Grow More, DTN, Nelson & Pade, Inc., Valent BioSciences, Harvest Right, LLC and WCC International. Expanding links between Azerbaijani and American companies provides valuable technology and …
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During his press round table DAS George Kent emphasized the importance of a free press in forming a strong and prosperous country.
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Ambassador Litzenberger is now looking forward to meeting with and hearing from Azerbaijanis from all parts of society.
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The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stéphane Visconti of France, and Andrew Schofer of the United States of America), together with the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk, visited the region from 29 October to 2 November. The main purpose of the visit was to discuss …
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