The U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations began hearings Thursday on whether to approve Robert Cekuta as ambassador to Azerbaijan.

Cekuta was nominated by President Barrack Obama. Cekuta is currently principal deputy assistant secretary in the U.S. Stae Department's Bureau of Energy Resources. Cekuta has also served in the State Department's Bureau for Energy and Business Affairs.

Cekuta has also been involved with overseas assignments in Tokyo and Berlin where he was the head of the federal government's engagement in a range of economic issues. Cekuta was involved in counter-terrorism and activities to counter international crimes when he was the economic minister counselor in Germany. Cekuta has worked in the Department of State in many aspects, including trade, energy and developing economic growth. Cekuta also spent time overseas in international relations. 

The Senate hearings will also consider the nominations of ambassadors to Armenia, Macedonia and Montenegro.