The statement says: “The Republic of Azerbaijan has been helpful to the United States, committing troops to our efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq and providing airspace and the use of its airports for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Azerbaijan has also joined all 12 international conventions on counter-terrorism and they support regional cooperation to fight terrorism through local agreements and participation in NATO, the Organization for Security in Europe, and others. Azerbaijan also provides a key alternative route for the oil and natural gas supplies of Central Asia to reach Europe.”