Official Speeches and Remarks by Ambassador Anne E. Derse

Ambassador's Remarks for the Jeffrey Werbock Concert

October 14, 2006

Ladies and gentlemen.

I am delighted to welcome all of you here tonight for an evening of musical delight that brings together American talent with Azerbaijani tradition.

Jeffrey Werbock is an old friend of Azerbaijan and a devoted fan of Azerbaijani musical traditions.

He has spent a lot of time here, listening, studying, and playing with some of Azerbaijan's finest musicians.

As the U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan, my mision is to continue to improve our excellent relations and I will be working very hard over the coming years to do just that.

But good relations between countries depend not only on governments and diplomats, but also on people-to-people ties.

We must continue to do more to send Azerbaijani students, teachers, and professionals to the United States, as well as bring Americans here to meet with Azerbaijanis and get to know your country.

And so, I am delighted to have the opportunity to welcome and help introduce one of our finest citizen-diplomat-musicians, Jeffrey Werbock.

I hope that you all enjoy the concert.