Relationship between Azerbaijan and USA has positive results in a number of spheres such as economy, science, culture, energy, fight with global terrorism. However, energy comes first. Cooperation in this field bases on oil strategy. The Contract of Century signed on September 20, 1994 changed Azerbaijan into a favorable economic partner for influential Western states, in particular the US.

SOCAR signed 26 new oil contracts with leading petroleum companies of 16 countries in the second half of the 90s, majority of which were such U.S. companies as Amoco, Unocal, Pennzoil, Exxon, Chevron, Mobil.

700 mln USD of 1,7 bn USD invested in oil industry of Azerbaijan till 1998 belong to the companies of the US, which confirm the huge importance this country attaches to economic relations with Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan-USA strategic partnership dynamically developed after the independence was gained, specially in the last 10 years, after the September 11 event.

Azerbaijan-US forum “Look into the Future” held in Baku on May 29, 2013 was of special importance for healthy development of bilateral ties. The event brought together state and government officials, figures of state, science, politics, representatives of military and economic spheres of both countries. Addressing the forum, President Ilham Aliyev said economic and security issues are the key subjects in bilateral relations: “We firmly cooperate in security field and Azerbaijani soldiers participate in peacekeeping processes in Afghanistan. Azerbaijan transports 40% of cargo to Afghanistan and our route is the safest. Azerbaijan makes its contribution to the fight against terrorism too.” Noting the US plays an important role in the settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh problem, President Aliyev expressed regret that there is no final outcome. He said the solution of the conflict will cause a development in South Caucasus.

Thus, among the South Caucasian countries the Republic of Azerbaijan is today the key actor in energy projects playing a leading role in Europe’s energy security and this is a necessary factor for development of relations of the West and USA with Azerbaijan. In this respect, Azerbaijan-US economic relations are developing in the positive course. 

Laman Khalilova
Azerbaijan Realities