USACC Hosts Welcoming Reception for New US Ambassador to Azerbaijan

Washington, D.C. - The US-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC) was honored to host a reception on Friday, Jan. 28 for the new United States ambassador to Azerbaijan, Matthew J. Bryza.

Two dozen USACC members along with Ambassador Bryza's family attended the private event at USACC offices in Georgetown. Ambassador Bryza said he was eager to arrive in Baku, which has been without a US ambassador for 18 months.

As a recess appointment, President Barack Obama has demonstrated the importance of US-Azerbaijan relations to his administration. In a further signal of that importance, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton attended Ambassador Bryza's swearing-in ceremony last week.

Ambassador Bryza said that his top priority as ambassador is pursuing a peaceful and just settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. He also noted he is focused on furthering the ties between the two countries, adding that Azerbaijan offers a wide array of opportunities and avenues of cooperation well beyond the oil and gas sector for which it is already known around the world.

On behalf of our board, members and staff, the USACC wishes Ambassador Bryza well in his new post!

Source: USACC