Department of State: Azerbaijan has very strategic locationMay 6, 2009 - 15:44 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S. and Azerbaijan have a very close relationship on many important issues, U.S. Secretary of State said. "Today, we're going to discuss how we can expand and deepen that relationship. I'm delighted that the minister could come so early in the Obama Administration so that we could begin these discussions," Mrs. Hillary Clinton said welcoming Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov. "As you know, Azerbaijan has a very strategic location that is one that is important not only to their country, but really, regionally and globally. And so they're in a position to take increasing responsibility and leadership on these important matters," she said. For his part, Mr. Mammadyarov said it's a great pleasure to be back in Washington and back to State Department. "I'm appreciative for this invitation. And I am absolutely sure that this meeting will move forward the strategic partnership which exists between Azerbaijan and United States. And I am ready to discuss all the issues of mutual interest; in our mind, it's global or it's regional or it's bilateral," he said. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |