Azerbaijan America Alliance Hosted its 2nd Annual Gala Dinner, "Celebrating Today, Building Tomorrow," with Congressional Leaders, Foreign Dignitaries and Celebrity Line Up

Among a long list of DC's influential leaders, nearly 600 guests experienced Azerbaijan's rich history and culture, enjoyed traditional Azerbaijani cuisine, novel architecture, and the stunning performances of traditional and modern Azerbaijani artists, singers and dancers

WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --The Azerbaijan America Alliance hosted its 2nd annual gala dinner October 30th in Washington, D.C. for nearly 600 invited guests from Capitol Hill, the Diplomatic Corps, think tanks, academic and business communities. This year's event highlighted the innovative architectural development of Azerbaijan and the growing relationship between the United States and Azerbaijan, while celebrating the ancient and rich culture of this key ally in the South Caucasus region.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131031/DC08308)

Themed Celebrating Today, Building Tomorrow, the gala was hosted by Mr. Anar Mammadov, successful Azeri businessman and founder of the Azerbaijan America Alliance and held under the honorary patronage of H.E. Ambassador Elin Suleymanov. The evening included world-renowned Azerbaijani architecture and guests enjoyed a five-course traditional Azerbaijani dinner. Famous Azerbaijani artists, dancers and singers made sure that guests had an unforgettable night. Dance ensemble "The Pearl of Azerbaijan" performed exciting Azerbaijani traditional dances that were followed by mugham singers, "Alim Gasimov Group." Sabina Babayeva sang modern Azerbaijani songs and Rashad Hashimov with his "RAST Group" showed their unique talent in combining national Azerbaijani music with modern European sounds.

"Last evening I was overwhelmed by the American audience's passionate response to the traditions of Azerbaijan as offered through our country's heritage of performances in dance, music, and art – and, of course, through our native cuisine of several thousand years.  Performers and the audience demonstrated an exceptional friendship between Azerbaijan and America.  I believe America honored Azerbaijan, and Azerbaijan honored America last night; it was indeed a very personal and special evening," said Mr. Anar Mammadov, founder of the Azerbaijan America Alliance.

Former Congressman Dan Burton, who serves as Chairman of the Alliance, remarked, "Azerbaijan is a true friend of America, and it's extremely important that we expand our relationship with Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijan America Alliance is working to strengthen those ties through its various activities and by hosting events such as tonight's, where Americans can experience the vibrant culture and people of Azerbaijan."

The honorary host committee of the gala dinner was comprised of Senators Richard Burr, Saxby Chambliss, Thad Cochran, Roger F. Wicker; US Representatives Gene Green, Randy Hultgren, Robert Aderholt, Corrine Brown, Luis Gutiérrez, George Holding, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Walter Jones Jr., Adam Kinzinger, John Shimkus, Tim Ryan, Fred Upton; Larry Beasley, President & Chief Executive Officer of The Washington Times; Victor Shiblie, Editor-In-Chief of The Washington Diplomat; Steven Knapp, President of George Washington University and other cultural, business and media leaders.

Event photos and additional information about the gala and other Alliance activities can be found on the Alliance's website at www.azerbaijanamericaalliance.org

About the Alliance
The Azerbaijan America Alliance is a non-partisan, non-profit organization, with an educational mission to foster an atmosphere of mutual understanding and respect between the people of Azerbaijan and America. Through academic discussion, cultural programming, and political discourse, the Alliance is dedicated to promoting a lasting partnership between Azerbaijan and America.

For more information, please visit the Alliance website at www.azerbaijanamericaalliance.org

SOURCE Azerbaijan America Alliance