Ambassador Earle Litzenberger: Azerbaijan’s customs service can be proud of the work done

On February 17, Mobile Detection Equipment was donated to the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan through the U.S. Department of State’s Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) program in 2022. 

The ceremony on this occasion was attended by the delegations of the US Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Azerbaijan Earle Litzenberger and chairman of the State Customs Committee, customs service Colonel-General Safar Mehdiyev.

Chairman of the State Customs Committee Safar Mehdiyev expressed his gratitude for the donation and praised bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the United States.  He noted that customs agencies from both nations had contributed to enhanced cooperation between the countries. 

Noting that the reforms carried out in the country under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev had created favorable conditions for productive and   transparent customs activity, Safar Mehdiyev said thanks to the innovations significant achievements had been gained in the fiscal sphere, in the fight against offences, simplification of customs operations and speeding up of border crossings. 

While specifically highlighting the Azerbaijani Customs Committee’s commitment towards international cooperation, chairman of the State Customs Committee expressed his gratitude for the U.S. support for Azerbaijan in various areas including training assistance to bolster the professional skills of Azerbaijani customs officers. Chairman of the Committee noted important contributions and the role of customs authorities in dismantling illegal drug smuggling operations, and expressed hope for further cooperation.

The US Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Azerbaijan Earle Litzenberger noted that this year marks the 30^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and the US, praised the mutual cooperation between our countries.

Highly appreciating the results of the reforms carried out in Azerbaijan’s customs service over the recent years, the Ambassador recalled his meeting two years ago, underlined that reforms had been continued successfully in the customs system, extended congratulations  on the wonderful results in the customs sphere, said Azerbaijan’s customs service could be proud of the work done. 

Speaking about the long-term cooperation between the US and Azerbaijan in preventing illegal smuggling activities, Ambassador Litzenberger expressed hope that the donation would contribute to developing the relations, strengthening the security of Azerbaijan and the US.

Discussions were also held on the prospects of cooperation.

The participants viewed the Mobile Detection Equipment donated to through the U.S. Department of State’s Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) program. 

Press and Public Affairs Department of the State Customs Committee