President Obama’s 2012 State of the Union Address
On January 24, President Obama delivered his State of the Union Address on an America built to last. "Think about the America within our reach: A country that leads the world in educating its people...An economy built to last, where hard work pays off, and responsibility is rewarded."
DAS Rubin Visits Azerbaijan
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Eric Rubin on January 18-19 met with government officials, civil society and political party representatives in his first visit to Baku in his new position. DAS Rubin told media he hoped that the U.S. and Azerbaijan will expand its cooperation in security, energy, and internal reform.
Ambassador Bryza Bids Farewell to Press Corps
Ambassador Matthew Bryza held a farewell press conference on December 29, 2011. Calling his eleven month tenure the most enjoyable, most complicated and easiest job he had ever done, Bryza pointed to major achievements in our countries' shared strategic interests in energy and security, and challenges on internal reform.
Ninth Group of U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers Begin Service
44 new Peace Corps Volunteers will begin serving two year assignments in Azerbaijan after participating in a Swearing-In Ceremony at Baku’s Grand Hotel Europe on December 8. The new volunteers will work in 24 Azerbaijani rayons to contribute to the development of communities and organizations.
-
Education
Study in the United States
Would you like to study in the United States? Start here.
-
American Centers
American Centers in Azerbaijan
There are six American Centers currently operating in Azerbaijan.
Embassy Highlights
-
Ambassador and MFA Deputy Sign Protocol on Umbrella Agreement
On 29 December, Ambassador Matthew Bryza and Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov signed a Protocol to amend and extend an Umbrella Agreement on cooperation in counterproliferation of weapons of mass destruction and defense Activities. The signing underscored and reaffirmed five years of successful cooperation between the U.S. and Azerbaijan governments in the area of Cooperative Threat Reduction. Under the program, the Department of Defense and other U.S. government organizations partner with the Azerbaijani government to assist in providing comprehensive maritime surveillance and interdiction capabilities, WMD detection training and equipment, and to assist in combating bioterrorism by enhancing surveillance, detection, response, and reporting capabilities for especially dangerous pathogens.
-
Embassy Statement on Rafiq Tagi’s Murder
The United States condemns the recent murder in Baku of journalist Rafiq Tagi and extends its deep condolences to Mr. Tagi’s family, friends, colleagues and readers. Read more... »
-
U.S. Secretary of Navy Concludes his Visit to Azerbaijan (11.21.2011)
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus concluded a three-day visit to Azerbaijan during which he met with President Ilham Aliyev, Minister of Defense Safar Abiyev, Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Shahin Sultanov as well as other U.S. and Azerbaijani military and civilian officials and visited sites of cultural significance. Read more... »
-
Special Envoy for Eurasian Energy Supports Southern Corridor
The U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan notes that Ambassador Richard Morningstar, the U.S. Special Envoy for Eurasian Energy, wishes to clarify inaccurate media accounts of his statements at his press conference in Baku on November 15. Read more... »
-
Record Number of Azerbaijanis Studying at U.S. Universities
A new study of shows that record numbers of Azerbaijani students are studying in U.S. universities and colleges.According to Open Doors 2011, 440 Azerbaijani students enrolled in U.S. institutions of higher education during the 2010/11 academic year, more than double the number compared to 5 years ago.
-
U.S. Embassy Sponsors Visual Arts Initiative
The U.S. Embassy and Park Bulevard Mall on November 2 concluded the Embassy’s Visual Arts Initiative with an exhibition featuring art work created by Baku street children and students from Khizi. The artwork was created as a result of mentoring received by three visiting artists from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) who were brought to Azerbaijan by the State Department’s Visual Arts Initiative. Read more... »
-
Secretary of State Clinton Congratulates Muslims on Eid al-Adha
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton congratulated Muslims around the world on the occasion of the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. She wished them a happy Eid al-Adha. Read more... »
-
International Education Week (November 14-18)
IEW is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This initiative is part of our efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States.
-
Deputy Secretary Burns Visits Baku (10.18.2011)
Deputy Secretary of State William Burns on October 18 met with President Aliyev, the Foreign Minister and civil society activists. Burns told media that the U.S. values its strategic partnership with Azerbaijan. He noted, however, that our closest relationships are with democracies that respect the full range of human rights. Read More... »
-
U.S. Embassy Statement on Court Decision on Convictions of April 2 Protesters (10.4.2011)
The United States regrets the October 3 decision of the Sabail District Court to convict Arif Hajili, Tural Abbasli, Mahammad Majidli, and Fuad Gahramanli on charges of conspiracy to violate public order for planning and organizing anti-government protests that took place on April 2, 2011. Read more... »
-
USAID, OSCE to Fight Human Trafficking (September 29, 2011)
The Directors of USAID-Azerbaijan and the OSCE Office in Baku today signed a grant agreement to co-operate on combating trafficking in persons and strengthen access to justice in Azerbaijan. Ambassador Bryza and the Head of Anti-Trafficking Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs attended the event and said the $730,000 grant will contribute great to Azerbaijan’s efforts to combat trafficking.
-
International Religious Freedom Report Released (9.13.2011)
On September 13, the State Department released the latest edition of the International Religious Freedom Report, a congressionally mandated report providing detailed information on matters involving religious freedom worldwide. To read the chapter on Azerbaijan, click on the headline.
-
September 11th Commemoration (September 12, 2011)
The Embassy commemorated the tenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on Washington D.C. and New York at a ceremony attended by Azerbaijani government officials and diplomats from countries supporting the international efforts in Afghanistan. A wreath was laid in honor of all those who died in the attacks and in the subsequent struggle against extremism. In his speech, Ambassador Matthew Bryza praised Azerbaijani cooperation in the fight against terrorism, and thanked all countries in attendance, noting that , “we have shown that terrorists and the ideological extremists who drive them are no match for the strength and resilience of our citizens.” Deputy Foreign Minister Hafiz Pashayev, who was Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the United States on September 11, 2001, also addressed the audience, recollecting the events and subsequent cooperation between Azerbaijan and the U.S.
-
Ambassador Bryza's Interview to Public TV (9.8.2011)
Ambassador Bryza sat down with ITV for an interview touching on the war against terror, Nagorno-Karabakh, etc.
-
Embassy Statement on Demolition of Institute for Peace and Democracy Offices
August 12, 2011 -- The United States Embassy in Baku was troubled by news Baku municipal authorities on August 11 demolished the offices of the Institute for Peace and Democracy in Baku. Of particular concern, the demolition took place despite a May 24 injunction by a district administrative court forbidding the expropriation or destruction of the property in question. Moreover, the owner of the building was out of the country and unable to recover property and records before the demolition. The United States Embassy urges the authorities of Azerbaijan to open a dialogue with affected citizens to assure that laws on property rights are respected, and underscores the central role of respect for property rights and rule of law as foundations of a free and prosperous society.
-
4th Annual American Centers Conference Takes Place in Baku (July 20, 2011)
The Directors of Azerbaijan's six American Centers gathered in Baku from July 18-20 for their 4th Annual Conference. Ambassador Bryza stopped by to thank participants for their contributions to increasing mutual understanding between our two nations.
-
Ambassador Speaks at Caspian Oil and Gas Show
Adressing the plenary session at Baku's 18th Annual Caspian Oil and Gas Show, Ambassador Bryza praised Azerbaijan's strategic vision in the energy sector and spoke about the U.S. and Azerbaijan's strategic relationship based on security cooperation, energy and internal reform.
-
Deputy Minister Mammadyarov and Secretary Clinton Meet in Washington
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmar Mammadyarov met in Washington on June 3 to discuss issues of significance to both sides. Secretary Clinton particularly emphasized support for peaceful resolution of Nagorno Karabakh conflict.
-
2011 Trafficking in Persons Report for Azerbaijan
On June 27, Ambassador Luis CdeBaca presented the State Department's 2011 Trafficking in Persons Report, ranking the efforts of 184 countries and territories to combat trafficking in persons. Azerbaijan, the report noted, is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor, and women and children subjected to sex trafficking. It was placed on Tier 2 Watch List.
-
Successful Security Dialogue Held in Baku
On June 24, Assistant Secretary od State for Political Military Affairs Andrew Shapiro led a U.S. delegation of State Department and Department of Defense officials to discuss the full range of security cooperation issues with their Azerbaijani counterparts. The sides agreed that the strategic partnership is strong and that critical energy infrastructure protection is an area of mutual focus.
-
Special Envoy for Eurasian Energy Speaks on Obama Administration Caspian Energy Policy
The Secretary of State's Special Envoy for Eurasian Energy, Ambassador Richard Morningstar discussed the Obama Administration's Eurasian Energy policy at a plenary session of the Caspian Oil and Gas Show on June 8. Morningstar highlighted, among other points, Administration support for Caspian nations to find new routes to market and assisting Europe's quest for energy security in his speech. Read the Speech »
-
U.S. Embassy Statement Regarding Release of Eynulla Fatullayev (May 27, 2011)
The Embassy welcomes the release of journalist Eynulla Fatullayev. We, together with the international community, have monitored Mr. Fatullayev’s case and called for a transparent and open legal process, consistent with Azerbaijani law and international norms. President Aliyev’s decision to release Mr. Fatullayev constitutes a positive signal, giving us hope for further progress on democratic reforms. Read more »
-
Embassy Statement on the Conviction of Bakhtiyar Hajiyev
The United States Embassy has closely followed the case of political activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, who was convicted on May 18th of draft evasion and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.The timing of Mr. Hajiyev’s arrest, which immediately followed his efforts to organize anti-government protests in Azerbaijan, raised questions about authorities’ use of the judicial system to punish dissent.The United States firmly supports the strengthening of democratic institutions and the rule of law in Azerbaijan and calls upon judicial authorities to ensure Mr. Hajiyev’s appeals are reviewed in accordance with Azerbaijani law and international commitments.
-
Voice of America interviews Ambassador Bryza
Ambassador Matthew Bryza sat down with the Voice of America's Tapdiq Ferhadoglu on May 19 for a discussion on security cooperation, energy, and reform. read the transcript »
-
Ambassador Visits Nakhchivan, Calls for Respect for Cultural Sites
Ambassador Matthew Bryza on April 21 concluded a two-day visit to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic that included meetings with officials, civil society representatives and a visit to Sadarak to see border-crossing improvements funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. Ambassador Bryza also sought to visit Djulfa to investigate the cemetery where Armenian Khachkars were reportedly destroyed in 2005. Read the Press Release »
-
USAID-AmCham To Cooperate on Improving Investment Climate
On April 12, USAID and the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan signed a Memorandum of Understanding to join forces to help improve Azerbaijan's business climate. Under the MoU, USAID experts will work with AmCham to propose improvements to the legislative framework affecting the business climate. They will also cooperate to assess compliance costs for current and future legislation.
-
Secretary Clinton Presents 2010 Human Rights Reports
On April 8, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton presented the 2010 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, which detail human rights conditions in over 190 countries around the world. The Secretary also announced the launch of humanrights.gov, a new website that will offer one-stop shopping for information about global human rights from across the United States Government. 2010 Report on Azerbaijan »
-
U.S. Embassy Statement on April 2 Protests
The Embassy of the United States wishes to express its concerns about actions taken by the Government of Azerbaijan to prevent the peaceful assembly of opposition groups in central Baku on April 2, including the detention of opposition activists in the days before the planned protests. The U.S. calls on the Government of Azerbaijan to respect the rights of all its citizens to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression, which are guaranteed under the Azerbaijani Constitution and international human rights instruments, including OSCE commitments. Respect for these rights is essential for promoting the sort of dialogue between citizens and their government that forms the basis for positive change and the deeper development of a culture of democracy in any society. We call for those detained in association with demonstrations to be afforded due process under the law, with open and transparent hearings and adequate access to legal counsel.
-
Ambassador Matthew Bryza interview with Trend News Agency. March 18, 2011
Ambassador Bryza discusses bilateral relations, regional policy and economic cooperation in his interview to Trend News Agency.
-
U.S. Embassy Statement on Detention of Bakhtiyar Hajiyev
On March 7, the United States Embassy released the following statement regarding the detention of Bakhtiyar Hajiyev: "Ambassador Matthew Bryza and the United States Embassy are closely following the reports about the detention of Bakhtiyar Hajiyev in Ganja on March 4 and, in particular, allegations that he may have suffered abuse and been denied access to legal counsel. We urge the Government of Azerbaijan to uphold the rule of law, ensure due process and assure Mr. Hajiyev all rights afforded to accused persons under Azerbaijani law, including access to legal counsel and to medical care, if necessary."
-
Ambassador Bryza Appears on Khazar TV's "Important Guest"
Ambassador Matthew Bryza was the featured guest on Khazar TV's "Important Guest" interview program on March 7. He discussed energy cooperation, the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process, as well as his preferences in Azerbaijani food and music.
-
Radio Liberty Interviews Ambassador Bryza
Ambassador Matthew Bryza sat down with Radio Liberty's Khadija Ismayilova on February 25 to discuss his priorities as Ambassdor in a wide-ranging discussion that touched upon human rights, democracy, energy, and security cooperation.
-
Ambassador Bryza Sits for Interview with Public Television (February 18)
Ambassador Matthew Bryza discussed United States-Azerbaijan relations and his priorities as Ambassador with Ictimai (Public) Television, in his first interview after beginning his official duties.
-
Members of Parliament Attend USAID-organized Introductory Orientation Program (January 25, 2011)
Newly-elected parliamentarians on January 25 attended an Orientation Program sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Parliamentary Program in Azerbaijan, in collaboration with the Milli Mejlis (Parliament) of the Azerbaijan Republic. The aim of the orientation program is provide the MPs with tools to be more effective legislators.
-
Embassy Weekly Sessions at the American Center in capital Baku
This program is designed for students enrolled in American Studies or similar programs at various higher learning institutions. Tailored to AmStudies curriculum and taught by American diplomats it offers a unique opportunity to hear about everything truly American. Don't miss out this opportunity to talk with a native speaker each Friday at the American Center.
-
Transcript of Chargé d’Affaires Adam Sterling's Interview with Khazar TV (December 10, 2010)
Chargé d’Affaires Adam Sterling joined Khazar TV's "Important Guest" program for an interview touching upon U.S. - Azerbaijani relations, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Educational Exchange Programs and more.
-
New Peace Corps Volunteers Begin Service (December 8, 2010)
62 new Peace Corps Volunteers will begin two year assignments as teachers and community development experts in 28 Azerbaijani districts after swearing in at a ceremony in Sumgayit on December 9.
-
Azad Fikir Universiteti Wins USOSCE Internet Freedom of Expression Award (Dec. 1, 2010)
On November 27, Baku-based Azad Fikir Universiteti was awarded the first annual USOSCE Ambassadorial Award for Freedom of Expression over the Internet at the Astana Portion of the Review Conference held in advance of the OSCE Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. »
-
Diplomat, Pop Star Urge Azerbaijani Children "Let's Read" at Puppet Theater (Nov. 15, 2010)
An American diplomat teamed with a national pop star to urge Azerbaijani children to read during a book presentation held today at the Puppet Theater.
-
Statement by Philip J. Crowley, Spokesman Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs (Nov. 8, 2010)
The November 7 parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan were peaceful, with the participation of all opposition parties and observers from domestic groups and the international community. Nevertheless, the elections did not meet international standards.
-
U.S. Calls Joint Statement of Azerbaijani, Russian and Armenian Presidents a Positive Development (October 28, 2010)
On October 28, Department of State Spokesman Philip Crowley delivered a statement on the joint statement of Presidents Medvedev, Sargsian, and Aliyev signed in Astrakhan, Russia on October 27.
-
Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Levey Visits Azerbaijan (October 19, 2010)
United States Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Stuart Levey visited Baku on October 19, where he met with President Ilham Aliyev, Chairman of the Central Bank Elman Rustamov, Minister of Finance Samir Sharifov, Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmar Mammadyarov, as well as Azerbaijani private sector leaders. Transcript of Under Secretary Levey’s remarks. »
-
U.S. Government Committed to Help Azerbaijan Eliminate Trafficking in Persons
The United States Embassy’s Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Terry Davidson on September 30 reaffirmed the United States Government’s commitment to assisting Azerbaijan in its efforts to eliminate human trafficking.
-
The U.S. Perspective on Eurasian Energy (Oct. 15, 2010)
On October 15, Ambassador Richard Morningstar, the Department of State Special Envoy for Eurasian Energy, outlined United States’ Eurasian Energy policy in a speech to the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, D.C. Among other issues Ambassador Morningstar highlighted that the Obama Administration’s Eurasian energy policy is grounded in the following core principles: -Europe’s energy security is in America's national interest and America’s energy security is in Europe’s interest. Our economies are interdependent. -Diversity is good. Just as in investing, having alternatives in terms of sources of energy, suppliers, and transit options will ultimately benefit all players. -The best solutions are those that the market produces. Indeed, they are likely to be the only solutions. Full text of Ambassador Morningstar’s speech. »
-
President Obama meets President Aliyev in New York (Sept. 24, 2010)
On September 24, the White House issued the following statement: President Obama met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in New York on Friday, September 24 to discuss issues of shared interest and ways to further strengthen relations between our two nations.
-
2011-2012 Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program
The U.S. Embassy in Baku is pleased to announce the annual Fulbright Visiting Scholars Fellowship for the 2011-2012 academic years. The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program is a non-degree, post-doctoral award program for junior and senior researchers, university lecturers and experts from academic institutions who wish to conduct post-doctoral research, lecture, or pursue combined lecturing and research in the United States. The selection of candidates for the Fulbright Visiting Scholars Program is carried out by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy based on an open competition. For more information click here. »
-
Muskie Graduate Fellowship Program Announces Deadline for Applications
The Government of the United States of America is pleased to announce the 2011 Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship Program (Muskie). The deadline to submit the application for this program is November 8, 2010.
-
Azerbaijani Photographer a Winner in Democracy Photo Challenge
Azerbaijani photographer Mehman Huseynov is one of 12 winners in the inaugural Democracy Photo Challenge, which is sponsored by the United States Department of State. The inaugural Democracy Photo Challenge expanded the global Democracy is… conversation with nearly 3,000 submissions from 131 countries. The contest asked people around the world to complete the phrase "Democracy is …" through digital photos submitted online. A high-level jury reviewed all entries and chose 36 finalists representing six regions of the world. From August 19 - August 26, people from around the world were invited to vote on the 12 winning photos using Picasa Web.
-
Chargé d’Affaires Adam Sterling Visits Ganja, Opens U.S. Financed School Building in Barda
United States Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Adam Sterling on September 14-15 visited Ganja and Barda districts, where he met with local officials and visited U.S. Government-financed projects to see first-hand the positive impact these projects make in the lives of average Azerbaijanis.
-
Secretary Clinton Travels to Baku
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton traveled to Baku July 4, 2010, as part of a five-nation trip across Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. During the day-long visit she met with President Ilham Aliyev, Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, a group of youth activists and the American Embassy community. She also joined the Foreign Minister for a press conference to conclude the visit.
USA Elections in Brief
-
This revised 2012 edition sketches the way primary and general elections work, not only the role of political parties, but also the nuts and bolts of voting machines and poll workers, opinion polls and campaign finance.
50th Anniversary of USAID
-
USAID Celebrates 50 Years of Progress
Since its founding in 1961, USAID has invested in innovative, cost-effective solutions that save millions of life
Ejournal USA
-
Cultivating Civil Society 2.0
Intended for an audience of educators, journalists, community leaders and NGOs, “Cultivating Civil Society 2.0” includes essays on digital media’s civic potential, how to make the most of new media, and fundamentals of media literacy.
J-1 Visa
-
J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program
Learn more about student exchanges, summer work/travel programs and other opportunities.
OSCE Minsk Group
-
OSCE Minsk Group
The Minsk Group spearheads the OSCE's efforts to find a political solution to the conflict in and around Nagorno-Karabakh involving Armenia and Azerbaijan. It is co-chaired by France, the Russian Federation and the United States.
Popular Topics
-
Obama Today
Follow Obama's blog to find out more about his initiatives and policy directions