[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 78 (Thursday, June 2, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1018]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING AZERBAIJAN'S REPUBLIC DAY AND 20 YEARS OF U.S.-AZERBAIJAN 
                               RELATIONS

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH R. PITTS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 2, 2011

  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, last week we celebrated Azerbaijan's Republic 
Day, which commemorates the 93rd anniversary of Azerbaijan's 
independence from the Russian Empire. Later this year, Azerbaijan will 
also celebrate the 20th anniversary of its freedom from the Soviet 
Union and the state of diplomatic relations with the United States.
  The U.S.-Azerbaijan partnership is based on shared values and common 
goals. Over the last 20 years. Azerbaijan has become a key strategic 
ally of the United States and has helped the United States achieve 
important security and economic objectives in a complex part of the 
world.
  Azerbaijan supports U.S. and NATO operations in Afghanistan, sending 
troops and civilian personnel to Afghanistan to serve alongside U.S. 
troops, as well as training civilian and security officers both in 
Azerbaijan and Afghanistan. Azerbaijan is also a key part of the 
Northern Distribution Network, which provides ground and naval transit 
for roughly 25 percent of the Coalition's supplies bound for 
Afghanistan.
  Azerbaijan also plays an important role in strengthening U.S. and 
European energy independence and is currently expanding its commercial 
and economic ties with the United States. Azerbaijan, which provides 
roughly a quarter of Israel's oil, is a secular Muslin country that 
maintains close friendly ties with Israel.
  Please join me in honoring Azerbaijan's 93rd Republic Day and 
celebrating a healthy U.S.-Azerbaijan relationship.

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