Secretary Clinton’s Ramadan Greetings

On behalf of the United States Department of State, I wish all Muslims around the world a happy and blessed Ramadan.

Ramadan is a time for self-reflection and sharing. American Muslims make valuable contributions to our country every day and millions will honor this month with acts of service and giving back to their communities.

Along with dozens of our Embassies, I will host an Iftar in Washington, DC, for Muslims and non-Muslims to join together and reflect on our common values, faith and the gifts of the past year. At our Iftar, we will also celebrate dozens of young American Muslims who are helping shape the future of our country with their energy and spirit. These young business and social entrepreneurs, academics, spiritual leaders, and other young Muslims around the world are leading the way to a new era of mutual respect and cooperation among all the citizens of our world.

During this month of peace and renewal, I wish the 1.5 billion Muslims around the world Ramadan Kareem.

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.

Opening Remarks at a Roundtable with Azerbaijani Civil Society and Youth Leaders

The United States is committed to helping you and your fellow citizens build a prosperous, independent, democratic, sovereign Azerbaijan,” Secretary Clinton said at a roundtable with Azerbaijani Civil Society and Youth Leaders July 4, 2010. (click here for more)

Joint Press Availability with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Mammadyarov 

The United States remains committed to a peaceful resolution based upon the Helsinki principles of non-use of force or threat of force, territorial integrity, and the equal rights and self-determination of peoples,” Secretary Clinton told a press briefing July 4, 2010 (click here for more)

New U.S. Embassy Charge de Affaires Arrives in Baku

On July 6, Adam Sterling assumed the duties of Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Baku. A career member of the State Department Foreign Service, Mr. Sterling served most recently on loan to the White House as the Director for Central and Eastern European Affairs on the National Security Council staff (2006-09). He has also served in Washington as Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of State for Europe (2005-06) and as desk officer in the Office of Central Asian Affairs (1995-97). In addition, he has served at U.S. Embassies in Israel, Kazakhstan, Belgium, and Peru.

Mr. Sterling replaces Don Lu, who was Chargé from July 2009 until his recent departure. We want to welcome Adam and to thank Don Lu for his distinguished service in Baku. (Adam Sterling’s biography here)

U.S. Navy Musicians Help Mardakan School Brass Band Prepare for Qabala Music Festival

The U.S. Navy Five Star Brass Ensemble on July 19 conducted a workshop with fifteen young musicians of the Mardakan Boarding School Brass Band. The Navy Ensemble, which is on a three-day visit to Azerbaijan, shared tips and techniques to help prepare the students for their upcoming performance at the Qabala International Music Festival.

U.S. Navy Musicians Help Mardakan School Brass Band Prepare for Qabala Music Festival (Photo: State Dept.)

“The goal of our visit is to showcase classical, jazz, and military music, but also to establish contacts with youth and local musicians. Today’s events allowed us to do both. The level of skill of the kids was very high and I wish them the best of luck at the Qabala music festival,” said band leader, Petty Officer First Class Roger Starcher, adding that earlier that day the band played for 65 handicapped children at Amirjan Orphanage.

The Mardakan boarding school band has been fostering young talented musicians for more than 30 years and is the winner of numerous national and international competitions. The U.S. Embassy in Baku continues to work with this school and other schools of this type throughout Azerbaijan as a part of its U.S.-Azerbaijani cultural exchange programs.

The Five Star Brass Ensemble consists of five professional musicians and is part of the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band. It has performed throughout Eastern Europe and Africa spreading goodwill and enhancing the spirit of cooperation through its music. The Five Star Brass Ensemble performs a free outdoor concert at the Park Bulevar Mall on July 19 from 2000 – 2200, and an indoor concert at the same location on July 20 from 1300-1400. The band will conclude its visit by performing at the U.S. Embassy Independence Day celebrations later that evening.

Secretary of Defense Gates' Visit Strengthens U.S. - Azerbaijan Partnership

Defense Secretary Gates' Visit (American Forces Press Service)

Calling Azerbaijan an important partner in the coalition’s efforts in Afghanistan, United States Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said he discussed a stronger military relationship between Azerbaijan and the United States in meetings Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Minister of Defense Safar Abiyev on June 6 and 7.

“They play an important part in Afghanistan, not only in terms of the troops they have there – and also a civilian presence – but [through] ground transportation and allowing over flights,” Gates said, “so [the visit] was partly to express appreciation for that.”

The secretary delivered a letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev from President Barack Obama that expresses gratitude for Azerbaijan’s contributions in Afghanistan, saying such assistance has “strengthened your country’s stature as a steadfast security partner.” The letter also conveys Obama’s desire for a broader and deeper future relationship between the two countries.

The Azerbaijani leaders expressed concern about a lack of progress in a long-standing territorial dispute with Armenians in the Nargorno-Karabakh region, Gates said, and he promised to relay the message to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Obama also mentioned the dispute in his letter to Aliyev, saying a peaceful resolution is critical to the South Caucasus region and promising support for such an outcome would remain a U.S. priority.

"All in all,” Gates said, “I would say it was a very positive visit, and I think it set the stage for further expansion of the relationship. We will have a bilateral defense consultation next month, where I think a lot of the things that we discussed will be put on the table and perhaps fleshed out.”