Azerbaijan, Baku, Sept. 19 / Trend /
William J. Burns, Under Secretary for Political Affairs, made a speech to a conference on Azerbaijan -U.S. relations, organized at the Georgetown University. Text of Burn's speech was posted in a website of the Department of State.
In his remarks Mr. Burns mentioned several reasons making Azerbaijan significant for the U.S. These are security, economic and political development.
Burns noted Azerbaijan's strategic position, its role in ensuring security in the region. He also stressed Azerbaijan's contribution to NATO operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo.
Burns also touched upon the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations.
Burns mentioned the economic and political reforms ongoing in Azerbaijan.
"The U.S., as a strong and steady friend of Azerbaijan, is committed to working together with the Azerbaijani government and its people to support the development of a secure, prosperous, and democratic state," he said in conclusion