Secretary Clinton's Remarks at the Top of Bilateral Meeting With President Aliyev of Azerbaijan

Remarks at the Top of Bilateral Meeting With President Aliyev of Azerbaijan

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State

Presidential Palace

Baku, Azerbaijan

July 4, 2010

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PRESIDENT ALIYEV: (In progress) (Inaudible.) And I am sure that (inaudible). So it's very important for (inaudible) and the relationship with United States and Azerbaijan since (inaudible) very successful. We worked closely on (inaudible) we participate in (inaudible). (Inaudible) we worked on issues related to the fight against terrorism. And, in particular, (inaudible) policy. And (inaudible) working closely with us and (inaudible) on the resolution of (inaudible). This is a major problem for us, and a major threat to the (inaudible).
As you know, for many of us, our lands are under occupation. United Nations Security Council policy, European parliament, (inaudible), Islamic (inaudible) organization, all of (inaudible) resolution, which reflects the situation, and which demands the withdrawal of Armenian troops from international (inaudible). We want to find a resolution based on (inaudible), and we want to find a resolution as soon as possible, because our people are suffering.
I am sure that all these issues are not (inaudible) today, and I am sure that (inaudible) relations between our countries (inaudible). Welcome (inaudible).
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you very much, Mr. President. I am both honored and delighted to be here for my first visit to Baku, and to your country. And it is especially appropriate that I am here on our Independence Day, because I know that your country has worked very hard during the last few years to establish a strong foundation for economic and social progress.
I am very committed to our relationship. You and I have had several long and very substantive conversations over the last 18 months. And the issues that you mentioned are of importance to us. And I think it is significant that we have this opportunity for a very comprehensive discussion.
And so, again, I thank you for welcoming me here. It's such a beautiful day right here, on the Caspian Sea, in the spirit of friendship and partnership between our two countries.