US considers Azerbaijan the most reliable partner in the struggle against the international terrorism and expects it will assist the US Armed Forces in Afghanistan, Congresswoman representing 30th district of Texas Eddie Bernice Johnson exclusively told Trend News.

"The hidden threats (for Azerbaijan) caused by neighboring Russia and Iran should be taken into account. Besides, the assistance to the US Armed Forces in Afghanistan might increase the jeopardy for Azerbaijan, therefore, we should support our partner state, Ms. Johnson commented on the Congressmen’s request to extend additional financial aid to Azerbaijan.

She said that US, Co-chairing OSCE Minsk Group, should maintain neutrality: “We request Subcommittee of the House of Representatives to abstain from making any steps that might expose our neutrality in the FY 2010 budgetary debates.” The Congresswoman recalled that the Barack Obama administration announced foreign policy a priority, and towards Muslim world, in particular. “Azerbaijan is a strategic ally of the United Stated in the Caucasus, that complies with its commitments to guarantee freedoms and meet its obligations”, Ms. Johnson added.