Recognition of Ambassador Elin Suleymanov
Floor Speech
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Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the diplomatic tour of Ambassador Elin Suleymanov of Azerbaijan. Since regaining independence in 1991, Azerbaijan has faced ethnic and geopolitical opposition, imperiling its independence and democracy. Ambassador Suleymanov--one of the longest-serving ambassadors in Washington--has served as a force of peace and diplomacy in the region, working honorably to advance prosperity and enhance the U.S. relationship with Azerbaijan. We congratulate him as the U.S. and Azerbaijan will mark 30 years of diplomatic relations next year.
Before his diplomatic tour, he was the first Azerbaijani to graduate from the University of Toledo in 1994 as a part of the U.S.- funded Muskie Fellowship. In 2004, Ambassador Suleymanov became the first Azerbaijani to receive the Master of Law and Diplomacy degree from the Fletcher School at Tufts University. Following his academic pursuits, he served as Azerbaijan's first Consul General in Los Angeles, establishing the nation's diplomatic presence on the West Coast.
Ambassador Suleymanov's personal concern for Azerbaijan inspired his concerted advocacy for the refugee crisis. Before joining diplomatic service, he worked with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, providing care and protection to the thousands of people displaced by the three-decades-long Armenia Azerbaijan conflict.
Additionally, Ambassador Suleymanov has a special partnership with the State of Texas. The Ambassador is especially fond of the City of Laredo and has helped establish educational partnerships between TAMIU and universities in Azerbaijan. He has visited Laredo for the Washington Birthday Celebration more frequently than any other ambassador accredited in Washington, and he has a special appreciation for Laredo's own Palenque Grill.
I am pleased to congratulate Ambassador Suleymanov on decades of building a strong relationship between Azerbaijan and the United States. I commend Ambassador Suleymanov's significant contribution to our legislative branch, working closely with Members of Congress to expand the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus and deepen the friendship between our nations.
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