Recognizing the Republic Day of Azerbaijan

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. ADERHOLT. Madam Speaker, as Co-chair of the House Azerbaijan Caucus, I am honored to recognize the Republic Day recently celebrated in Azerbaijan.

On May 28, 1918, the National Assembly of Azerbaijan adopted their Declaration of Independence, becoming the first secular democracy in the region. After being invaded by the Soviet Union and incorporated into the USSR, Azerbaijan again restored its independence on August 30, 1991.

Azerbaijan is a significant partner to the United States and plays a key role in energy security, supporting Israel, and ensuring stability in the region.

Azerbaijan has been a leader in the Southern Gas Corridor, which will ultimately decrease the Caspian region's dependence on Russian oil, a critical effort especially at this time of Russian aggression.

A strong ally to the U.S. and other international partners, Azerbaijan has stood strong with the U.S. and NATO forces by providing critical refueling stations and fighting side-by-side with U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Azerbaijan contributed to the security of Kosovo and Iraq, and promotes peacekeeping operations under the United Nations and NATO. Committed to global nonproliferation efforts and peacekeeping operations, Azerbaijan also participates as a member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Given Azerbaijan's position as a partner of the United States in a critical area of the world, I urge my colleagues to join me in expressing support for Azerbaijan's independence and commending the people of Azerbaijan on their Republic Day.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source