Baku, July 2, AZERTAC The US Embassy in Azerbaijan has hosted an event to mark the 246th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence. The national anthems of Azerbaijan and the United States were played. Speaking at the event, US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Earle Litzenberger highlighted the history of his country`s independence. The diplomat said that great progress has been made in the relations between the two countries over the past 30 years. Addressing the event, on behalf of the Government of Azerbaijan, Minister of Finance Samir Sharifov congratulated the people and government of the United States. He said that this year marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and the United States. Speaking about relations between Azerbaijan and the United States, the minister noted that these ties are rapidly developing in many fields, especially in the fields of energy and fighting global terrorism within the interests of both states and the principles of equal partnership. He emphasized that the fifth session of the Azerbaijan-US Economic Cooperation Commission will be held in Washington this fall. The event was attended by officials, deputies of the Milli Majlis, ambassadors of foreign countries to Azerbaijan and representatives of the international organizations.