97th Anniversary of Azerbaijani Republic Day

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Azerbaijanis around the world, in celebration of Republic Day on May 28. Republic Day commemorates Azerbaijan's declaration of its independence from the Russian Empire in 1918, becoming the first Muslim democratic secular republic in the region. Although only lasting two years, the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan achieved considerable success in state-building and creating educational foundations for future generations. The Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan granted suffrage to women shortly after its creation, ahead of most Western democracies.

Despite all of its successes, the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan was not in a position to weather the occupational forces of the then newly formed Soviet Russia. Consequently, Azerbaijan temporarily lost its independence in 1920 and later was brought into the U.S.S.R. In 1990, Azerbaijan regained its independence from the U.S.S.R., ending 70 years of Soviet rule. On August 30, 1991, Azerbaijan's Parliament adopted the Declaration on the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and on October 18, 1991, the independence was approved by the adoption of a Constitutional Act.

Since its independence, the Republic of Azerbaijan has been an ally and is among the first nations who offered unconditional support to the United States in the global War on Terrorism, providing its airspace and the use of its airports for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Today, Azerbaijan continues to be a strategic partner with the U.S.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking the people of Azerbaijan for their valuable partnership and congratulate Azerbaijanis around the world on the 97th anniversary of Republic Day.

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