Regional Library Information Centers (RLIC) Program

US Public Affairs Officer Discusses the Role of Culture and Education in US Foreign Policy in Online Forum

On June 30, US Public Affairs Officer to Azerbaijan Jonathan Henick took questions in an online forum hosted by RLIC and IATP. More than 43 librarians, students, US government-sponsored exchange program alumni, government employees, and representatives from nonprofit organizations joined the discussion from across Azerbaijan.

Henick opened with a brief introduction to cultural programming sponsored by the US Embassy. The embassy sponsors visits to Azerbaijan by American artisans and musicians who share their skills and experiences with Azerbaijani counterparts. Henick detailed recent visits by a traditional Native American dancing ensemble, and by renowned cellist Yo Yo Ma, who performed in concert with the famous Azerbaijani vocalist Alim Qasimov.

Henick also answered questions on American culture, education, and US-Azerbaijani relations during the online forum hosted at http://forum.irex.az. He noted efforts by American education experts to work with local universities and “make it easier for students in the future to transfer their credits to European or American universities and vice versa.” He also pointed out that Americans were interested in learning about Azerbaijan; noting that, “right now, for example, we have a very talented American student in Azerbaijan learning to play the balaban!” (The balaban is a traditional Azerbaijani wind instrument.)

Online chats hosted by RLIC serve as an open forum for exchanges of ideas that bring the people of outlying regions closer to the resources of their capital and to each other, helping to distribute educational, cultural, and economic opportunities throughout Azerbaijan.

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