OREANDA-NEWS. March 05, 2012. Azerbaijani delegation, being on visit to the United States, held a number of meetings at the state bodies of Oklahoma on Feb. 29.

The resolutions No 34, supporting the bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the U.S, were passed at the State Senate and House of Representatives.

Members of Parliament Asim Mollazade and Sevinj Fataliyeva spoke before the senators and congressmen and noted Azerbaijan as an important strategic ally of the United States in the region. The speeches of Azerbaijani MPs were acclaimed by the State senates and congressmen. Senator Mike Schulz stated that expanding close partnership relations between Azerbaijan and the U.S. gave great impetus to the development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Oklahoma.

Within the framework of the visit, Azerbaijani delegation had official meetings with Oklahoma Governor and the Secretary of State. The State Governor Ms. Mary Follin highly appreciated the relations between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for this strategic alliance to Azerbaijan on behalf of the U.S. people. Afterwards, Turkey-Azerbaijan-Oklahoma friendship reception was held on behalf of Ms. Follin with the participation of the American government officials and businessmen. Speaking at the reception, Governor Follin, Secretary of State Glenn Coffee, and Senator Mike Schulz emphasized the development of relations between Azerbaijan, Turkey and the United States. SOCAR vice-president Khalik Mammadov spoke about the achievements of Azerbaijan for the last 20 years, and said that State Oil Company of Azerbaijan had become one of the world's leading oil companies during this period. Mentioning the signing of the “Contract of the Century” as a basis for these achievements, Mr. Mammadov said Azerbaijan had become the largest oil and gas exporter; spoke about the role of ensuring European energy security.

The event, organized with the support of TurkAz Council, was attended by the U.S. government officials, congressmen and senators, members of the delegations of Azerbaijan and Turkey, counselor of Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the U.S. Nasimi Aghayev, President of Houston-Baku Sister City Association Irada Akhundova, as well as representatives of Azerbaijani diaspora in the U.S.