"I miss Azerbaijani culture and food very much. Even just next door in Turkey, where food is similar, but different. Azerbaijani food has a special taste. "
Former US Ambassador to Azerbaijan, OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair Matthew Bryza gave a private interview to Ednews.
During the interview, the US diplomat also touched upon interesting points about Azerbaijan. He also spoke about his visits to Shusha during the occupation and his excitement to see that city again. During the conversation, Mr. Bryza also said that he misses Azerbaijani cuisine:
- Azerbaijani food is very special. Products such as spices, seasoning, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers are different. They are unbelievably fresh and delicious here. I missed all that. But, of course, I also missed the people of Azerbaijan, and the very, very dear friends who have always been so warm and beautiful towards my family here.
- You visited Baku for Baku Energy Week. What other plans do you have?
- Yes, I came to Azerbaijan exclusively for Baku Energy Week. We are having fantastic discussinons and presentations with government officials, ministers, deputy prime ministers, top representatives of international energy companies, and SOCAR. For me it’s been very productive. Besides participating in the forum, I’m having some extremely useful meetings with representatives of international and Azerbaijani energy companies.
- What other meetings do you plan? In general, what will the purpose of these meetings be?
I’ve enjoyed some good meetings with Azerbaijani government officials and representatives of energy companies such as SOCAR. We will be visiting Shusha on Saturday with company representatives and BP Regional President Gary Jones. Our visit will aim to learn about BP's planned investment with the Azerbaijani government hoping to turn Karabakh into a region completely green with renewable energy.
-As far as we know, you will also visit Shusha. How do you think this trip will be different from others? What would you like to see in Shusha?
- I have visited Shusha many times during my term as co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group. During my visits to Karabakh, I have always been in Shusha. Shusha is a such a special place. I am really eager to see how it’s changing now that it’s been liberated and as Azerbaijan’s government is investing in it’s transformation including into it being a green city, witch is very exciting.
- Thank you for answering our questions.
- You’re welcome!
Mirvari Azizova