Press Releases

Recent Press Releases

Charge d’Affaires Adam Sterling Hands out First 2012 J1 Summer Work and Travel Visa

Today, Adam Sterling, Charge d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Baku, handed out the first J1 Summer Work and Travel (SWT) visa to be issued in Azerbaijan for the 2012 season. The Summer Work and Travel program is one of the most popular exchange programs run by the US Department of State, allowing university student to live and work in the United States for three months on their summer academic break. Last year nearly 400 Azerbaijani university students took advantage of the SWT program to get to know America, improve their English and foster mutual understanding between the Azerbaijan and the United States. This is the 8th year the popular program has been operating in Azerbaijan.
U.S. , Azerbaijani Experts Discuss Innovative Approaches to Museum Programming (April 26, 2012)

Four museum specialists from America’s national museum -- the Smithsonian Institution – conducted workshops with over 120 Azerbaijani museum experts from April 22 – 30 to discussed creating interactive exhibits and using social media for museum programming. The workshops were organized by the United States Embassy in partnership with the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture.
United States Helps Azerbaijan Strengthen Border Security (April 25, 2012)

On April 25, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Adam Sterling handed over to Azerbaijan State Customs Committee two U.S.-built tool trucks that will help Azerbaijan strengthen its border security measures.
U.S.-Azerbaijan Economic Partnership Commission (April 19 2012)

The U.S. Department of State welcomed the Minister of Finance Samir Sharifov of Azerbaijan and his delegation for the third meeting of the U.S.-Azerbaijan Economic Partnership Commission (EPC), which met yesterday in Washington. To read more »
Statement regarding Assault on Journalist Idrak Abbasov (April 20, 2012)

The United States Embassy condemns the assault on the independent journalist Idrak Abbasov on April 18 in Azerbaijan. Freedom of the media is essential for every democracy. Journalists must be able to work free of intimidation and fear. We call on the Government of Azerbaijan to launch a prompt and thorough criminal investigation of the incident and hold accountable those responsible for the assault.
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

Baku, November 15, 2011— A new study of shows that record numbers of Azerbaijani students are studying in U.S. universities and colleges. According to Open Doors 2011, the annual report on international academic mobility published by the Institute of International Education (IIE) with support from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State, 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.
USAID, OSCE team up to help Azerbaijan combat human trafficking, promote access to justice (September 29, 2011)

The United States Agency for International Development and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Office in Baku today signed a grant agreement to co-operate on combating trafficking in persons and strengthen access to justice in Azerbaijan. Michael Greene, USAID/Azerbaijan Mission Director, and Ambassador Koray Targay, Head of OSCE Office in Baku, signed the agreement. Ambassador Matthew Bryza and Javad Shikhiliyev, the Head of Anti-Trafficking Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs also attended the event and welcomed the $730,000 grant as a valuable contribution to Azerbaijan’s efforts to combat trafficking and strengthen access to justice.
Ambassador Bryza Praises International Solidarity against Terror at Commemoration of 10th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks (September 12, 2011)

Ambassador Matthew Bryza today hosted an official commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks on New York City and Washington D.C.. Government of Azerbaijan officials, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Hafiz Pashayev, diplomatic representatives of Coalition partners fighting in and rebuilding Afghanistan, as well as countries providing essential transportation support to international efforts in Afghanistan and assisting the fight against terror also attended the ceremony, which was held at the U.S. Embassy in Baku.
Embassy Statement on Demolition of Institute for Peace and Democracy Offices

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. Read full text here... »
Statement by President Barack Obama on the Occasion of Ramadan

As Ramadan begins, Michelle and I would like to send our best wishes to Muslim communities in the United States and around the world. Ramadan is a festive time that is anticipated for months by Muslims everywhere. Families and communities share the happiness of gathering together for iftar and prayers. Bazaars light up the night in many cities from Rabat to Jakarta. And here in the United States, Muslim Americans share Ramadan traditions with their neighbors, fellow students, and co-workers. Read the Entire Text »
Georgian Institute of Public Affairs Calls for Applications for Master's Program in Journalism and Media Management

The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce that the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA) is soliciting applications from Azerbaijani citizens for a master’s degree program in journalism and media management offered by the Caucasus School of Journalism and Media Management and taught by instructors from the United States, European Union member states, Georgia and Azerbaijan. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of State, with supplementary funding from the Open Society Institute. Read more... »
Ambassador Bryza Speaks to Young Women on the Importance of Leadership (July 24, 2011)

On July 24, Ambassador Matthew Bryza opened the Girls Leading Our World (GLOW) camp in Gabala. A total of 48 girls, aged 13-17 from 24 regions of Azerbaijan, will participate in the five-day summer camp, which focuses on developing attendees’ leadership skills, such as teamwork, volunteerism and conflict resolution, and on important social issues, as health, gender issues, and community development.
Ambassador Bryza Highlights Cultural Preservation (July 23, 2011)

Ambassador Matthew Bryza visited the Udi community in Gabala Region’s Nic settlement on July 23, touring the renovated Udi church, having lunch with community members on the church grounds, and becoming better acquainted with the Udi community. Ambassador Bryza noted the importance of preservation projects such as the Udi church restoration to maintaining the rich cultural heritage of the South Caucasus region.
Ambassador Bryza Meets Pomegranate Farmers in Goychay Region (July 22, 2011)

Ambassador Matthew Bryza visited the Goychay region on July 22 to meet with representatives of the pomegranate sector, including farmers, processors and wholesale buyers in order to gain a better understanding of the opportunities as well as the constraints facing the sector. His visit underscored the continued support for the sector from the highest levels.
Ambassador Speaks with Azerbaijani Youth Leaders in Gabala (July 22, 2011)

On July 22, U.S. Ambassador Matthew Bryza participated in the closing ceremony of the sixth annual Azerbaijani Boys Leadership Experience (ABLE) camp in Gabala. A total of 47 boys, aged 13-16 from 24 regions of Azerbaijan, participated in the five-day summer camp, which aims to improve the boys' understanding of exercising leadership and civic responsibility, and teaching them community-development projects.
Azerbaijan Assumes Responsibility for Weapons of Mass Destruction-Proliferation Prevention Program (June 29, 2011)

The U.S. Department of Defense and Azerbaijan’s State Border Service joined together in Turkan settlement of Baku city on June 29, 2011 to celebrate the completion of Weapons of Mass Destruction-Proliferation Prevention Program under the CTRP, a joint effort between Azerbaijan and the USA to monitor, detect, deter, and interdict smuggled nuclear and radiological materials in the Caspian Sea.
American Gospel Music Comes to Azerbaijan (June 14, 2011)

From June 14 – 21, The Grammy award-nominated Melvin Williams Group, a 4-member Gospel music ensemble from Mississippi, travelled to Azerbaijan as part of the U.S. Department of State Rhythm Road Program. The ensemble performed concerts in Baku, Kurdamir and Khachmaz, and conducted musician workshops at the Baku Music School, Baku Jazz Center, and Khachmaz American Corner.
U.S. Azerbaijan Education Center Grand Opening and Educational Fair (June 10, 2011)

On Saturday, June 11th the US-Azerbaijan Education Center will celebrate its grand opening with a “Study America” university fair. The fair is open to anyone interested in studying in the US. American and Azerbaijani alumni of U.S. universities will share information about more than 50 campuses, including Stanford, Florida State University, University of Missouri, Johns Hopkins University, and many others.
US Scholars Arrive to Learn Azerbaijani (June 10, 2011)

A group of 11 American scholars arrived in Baku on June 10 to study Azerbaijani under the United States Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) program. The CLS Program, administered by American Councils, provides opportunities for American university and graduate students to study Azerbaijani, which the United States government recognizes as a strategically important foreign language.
Baku Softball Tournament Marks Peace Corps 50th Birthday (June 3, 2011)

As part of the year-long celebration of the Peace Corps’ 50th birthday, young Azerbaijani softball players from Khachmaz and Bilasuvar travel to Baku this Sunday, June 5, for a one-day tournament at The International School of Azerbaijan (TISA) in Yeni Yasamal. They’ll be joined by Americans, other international residents and Azerbaijani softball players for friendly games.
Embassy Presents Azerbaijani Translation of “The Great Theft” (May 26, 2011)

Ambassador Matthew Bryza, Zeyno Baran Bryza and author Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl will take part in the presentation of the Azerbaijani translation of The Great Theft: Wrestling Islam from the Extremists at 8 p.m. Thursday, May 26. Dr. Abou El Fadl will be presenting his book via video conference from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he teaches and does research.
Embassy and Ali&Nino Publishing House Present Azerbaijani Translation of “The Kite Runner” (May 27, 2011)

The U.S. Embassy and Ali & Nino Publishing House present the Azerbaijani translation of The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini at 6 p.m. Friday, May 27. The U.S. Embassy partnered with Ali & Nino to make the book available for the first time in Azerbaijani. The Embassy’s book translation program supports the translation of important U.S. literature and non-fiction for the Azerbaijan public.
Azerbaijani Translation of “Media Law Handbook” Presented (May 16, 2011)

Professor Jane Kirtley presented the Azerbaijani-language translation of her “Media Law Handbook” at an event organized by the Press Council on May 16 attended by editors of prominent newspapers and other media outlets. The Media Law Handbook is a production of the Department of State’s International Information Programs Office and was translated into Azerbaijani with the assistance of U.S. Embassy in Baku.
American Rock-and-Roll at Park Bulvar May 1 (April 29, 2011)

To wrap up a month-long celebration of American Days in Baku, Park Bulvar shopping mall will play host to an American-style rock concert featuring three bands this Sunday, May 1, begining at 12 noon. Sponsored by the American Embassy and the Youth Club Public Union, a series of American Days events were organized throughout the month of April at the American Center at the Azerbaijan University of Languages.
Ambassador Hits the Road to Celebrate United States Peace Corps 50th Anniversary (May 2, 2011)

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the United States Peace Corps, Ambassador Matthew Bryza, Peace Corps Azerbaijan Country Director Meredith Dalton and members of the media today departed on a three-day bus tour to visit Peace Corps volunteers and the Azerbaijani communities they serve. Peace Corps has operated in Azerbaijan since 2003. Currently there are 114 volunteers in Azerbaijan.
Ambassador Visits Nakhchivan, Calls for Respect for Cultural Sites

Ambassador Matthew Bryza today 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.
U.S.-Finance Disease Monitoring Lab Inaugurated

Ambassador Matthew Bryza, U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency Director Ken Myers III, and Azerbaijani Government officials on April 12 opened a state-of-the-art disease-monitoring laboratory in Baku. This facility was constructed within the framework of the U.S. Department of Defense Cooperative Biological Engagement Program.
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 and will also cooperate to assess compliance costs for current and future legislation.
Ambassador Bryza and Zeyno Baran-Bryza Host Azerbijani Businesswomen for International Women's Day

Ambassador Matthew Bryza and Mrs. Zeyno Baran-Bryza on March 7 hosted a reception to commemorate the 100th observance of International Women’s Day. Prominent Azerbaijani women business leaders were invited to discuss the challenges and opportunities women face in Azerbaijan. Read the Press Release »
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. Read Press Release »
Science Envoy Visits Baku

U.S. Science Envoy Dr. Alice Gast visited Azerbaijan March 8-11 as part of President Obama’s initiative to strengthen science and education ties. During her visit Dr. Gast met with senior government officials, ministers, as well as leaders from the scientific, education, nonprofit, and business communities to identify areas for cooperation between the United States and Azerbaijani partners in the fields of energy, information technology, public-private partnerships, and education. Read the Press Release »
American Gospel Music Comes to Azerbaijan

From June 14 – 21, The Grammy award-nominated Melvin Williams Group, a 4-member Gospel music ensemble from Mississippi, travelled to Azerbaijan as part of the U.S. Department of State Rhythm Road Program. The ensemble performed concerts in Baku, Kurdamir and Khachmaz, and conducted musician workshops at the Baku Music School, Baku Jazz Center, and Khachmaz American Corner.
U.S.-Funded Health Centers Succesfully Handed Over to Azerbaijani Government (December 30, 2010)

Nine USAID-funded Child and Family Support Centers were handed over to the State Committee on Family, Women and Children’s Issues, culminating more than 6 years of close collaboration between the governments of Azerbaijan and the United States. US Agency for International Development financing provided to Save the Children, helped establish Child and Family Support Centers across the country. Read More »
The U.S. and Azerbaijan, After Wikileaks (December 18, 2010)

Chargé d’Affaires Adam Sterling in an Op-Ed condemned the Wikileaks disclosures and expressed the ongoing committment of the U.S. to work with the Azerbaijani Government to advance our common interests Read the Op-Ed »
Pictures of the Year" in Mingechevir (December 18, 2010)

On December 18, 2010, the U.S. Embassy sponsored the opening of the "Pictures of the Year International" photo exhibit at the Mingechevir Media Center. The exhibit remains open to the public until Jan. 18. Read More »
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. »