Azerbaijan, Baku / Trend corr I. Khalilova / Azerbaijan is interested in expansion of cooperation with the United States, Azerbaijani Economic Development Minister, Heydar Babayev, stated at the meeting with the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State on Europe and Central Asia, Mathew Bryza.
The Minister stressed the active part of the US companies in oil and gas projects and the development of political and economic cooperation between the two countries. The Unites States is included into the list of countries supporting Azerbaijan in entering the World Trade Organization (WTO).
According to Babayev, formation of acceptable investment climate in Azerbaijan, establishment of single conditions both for foreign and local investors has increased the interest for investing the country. As a result, $7.6bln was invested to Azerbaijan in 2006, and over $2.6bln within the first five months of 2007. All the achievements turned Azerbaijan into a leading country in the region.
" Azerbaijan's successes, as well as the ongoing reforms in the country, are in the centre of attention of the United States. The United States is ready to render any assistance in development of Azerbaijani-US relationships," Bryza said.