Recognizing President Ilham Aliyev and the Bond Between America and the Republic of Azerbaijan

Floor Speech

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Mr. HAMADEH of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize President Aliyev of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan stands as a historic bridge between Europe and Asia. For centuries, the nation served as a vital crossroads on the ancient Silk Road, connecting different cultures, languages, and global trade. From the vibrant capital of Baku on the Caspian Sea to the rich cultural traditions, Azerbaijan represents a long history of resilience, trade, and national pride.

The admiration Americans hold for Azerbaijan is deeply rooted in our shared respect for the ideals of liberty and self-determination. In 1918, the nation made history by establishing the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, creating the first secular parliamentary democracy in the Muslim world and granting women universal suffrage well before many Western nations. This monumental achievement resonated deeply across the Atlantic, prompting U.S. President Woodrow Wilson to famously observe in 1919 that the leaders of Azerbaijan spoke the exact same language of liberty, right, and justice as the American republic.

These shared values created the foundational roadmap for our modern partnership. Today, our Nations work closely together to protect global energy security. This strong bond began with major international energy projects in the 1990s that successfully connected Caspian oil and gas directly to Europe. Today, this cooperation lives on through secure global trade routes that bypass volatile regions, strong security ties, and an ongoing commitment to economic growth and reform.

These historical connections serve as reminders that although our Nations are separated by geography, we share a deep respect for independence, national identity, and human progress.

As representatives of two Nations shaped by a strong sense of purpose, may we continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship, mutual respect, and strategic cooperation between the United States of America and Azerbaijan.

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