Former U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt was elected co-chairman of the U.S.-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC) on Thursday.

During his time in Congress, Delahunt, a Democrat, represented the 10th Congressional District of Massachusetts. He served on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee and as the chairman the European subcommittee.

In the chamber's 20th year it hopes to increase trade relations between the U.S. and Azerbaijan and continue to encourage closer economic relations between the two governments and private organizations in both countries, according to a chamber announcement.

The chamber said that it looks to Delahunt's insight and expertise to strengthen trade, economic and political relations with Azerbaijan.