Recognizing the 102nd Anniversary of the Republic Day of Azerbaijan

Floor Speech

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Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 102nd anniversary of Azerbaijan's Republic Day. On this day in 1918, Azerbaijan emerged from autocracy to establish a Parliamentarian Republic. Today, it shines as an example of freedom in a region of the world historically plagued in the darkness of repression and inequality.

Republic Day honors the declaration of independence from the Russian Empire. While the rise of the Soviet Union would undermine its sovereignty once again within two years, the achievements in state building Azerbaijan made in those two years are a testament to the abilities of a free Azeri people.

In 1991, Azerbaijan emerged once again, seizing the opportunity presented to them, declaring its right to govern itself and live free. This symbolic emergence ensured the world that this was a continuation on the freedom and progress assembled between 1918 and 1920.

Since then, our nations have worked strongly together to promote energy security, increase bilateral trade and investment, and counter terrorism and transnational threats. It has been my great honor to aid in the maintenance of strong ties between our nations, and I look forward to furthering our cooperation to continue to bring peace, security, and stability to the region.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate the Republic of Azerbaijan and its people for its proud history in the pursuit of freedom and its commitment to developing solutions to modern problems. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this day and wish another century of strength and prosperity on Azerbaijan.

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