Azerbaijan Ambassador and Congressman Henry Cuellar Visit UIW Students and Community

San Antonio – A crowd of over 125 students and members of the University of the Incarnate Word community welcomed U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) and Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the U.S., Elin Suleymanov, to the university campus on Friday, October 10. The Congressman and the Ambassador spent the morning answering student’s questions and providing information to them about the partnership between the United States and Azerbaijan.

"Our mission, at UIW, is to prepare graduates who understand the complexities of our global world and our responsibilities as citizens. The Ambassador gave us a fascinating picture of what we have in common with the citizens of Azerbaijan,” said UIW Provost Dr. Kathi Light.

Azerbaijan has become a leading ally and strategic partner to the United States over the years and is one of the fastest growing economies in its region. They were one of the countries to provide aid to the U.S., directly following the devastating events of 9/11, assisting the U.S., on matters of international security. The two countries have developed a steadfast relationship through the opening of Caspian energy sources for development. Making significant contributions to the energy security of Europe, Turkey and Israel, Azerbaijan has materialized as a fundamental player in global energy security.

“Azerbaijan is an ally and strategic partner to the United States and is one of the fastest growing economies in its region.  Given San Antonio’s role as a rapidly growing city with an unlimited export potential, there is vast opportunity to strengthen South Texas’s relationship with Azerbaijan,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “This visit was a great opportunity for students at the University of the Incarnate Word to learn more about a vital and growing part of the world and I thank the University for hosting the event. I look forward to seeing the continued development of Azerbaijan and the strengthening of our bilateral relationship.”

In October of 2011, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev appointed Elin Suleymanov as Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the U.S. Prior to that, Suleymanov served the nation’s first Consul General to Los Angeles and the Western States leading the team that established Azerbaijani diplomatic presence on the West Coast. He has served as Senior Counselor at the Foreign Relations Department, Office of the President in Baku, Azerbaijan and as Press Officer of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Washington, D.C.

A graduate of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in Medford, Massachusetts, Suleymanov also holds graduate degrees from the Political Geography department of the Moscow State University, Russia, and from the University of Toledo, Ohio.

CONTACT:    Margaret Garcia, UIW associate director of public relations, (210) 829-6001 or (210) 422-4052, mlgarci2@uiwtx.edu