[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF U.S.-AZERBAIJAN DIPLOMATIC 
                               RELATIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 29, 2012

  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my 
Colleagues to join me in recognizing the 20th year of diplomatic 
relations with our friend and key ally, Azerbaijan.
  On February 19, 1992, the United States and Azerbaijan initiated 
formal diplomatic relations and on March 6 of that year Azerbaijan 
opened their embassy in the United States. The United States opened our 
embassy in Baku, Azerbaijan on March 16.
  After the fall of the former Soviet Union and the independence of the 
Republic of Azerbaijan, we have seen a growing need for strong allies 
in the region. Azerbaijan, a predominantly secular Muslim country 
bordered by Russia to the north and Iran to the south, is a natural 
partner to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity in this 
important part of the world.
  Azerbaijan was among the first to join us in the War Against Terror, 
sending troops to Afghanistan that served alongside our servicemen and 
women, and later in Iraq. Today, Azerbaijan offers a crucial route to 
transport supplies to our troops in Afghanistan.
  Azerbaijan is also a key contributor in promoting energy security 
internationally. The opening of the BTC pipeline in 2005 allowed 
Caspian oil to reach the world market via Georgia and Turkey, bypassing 
Russia.
  With the recent arrival of Ambassador Elin Suleymanov to Washington, 
DC, I look forward to working with the Embassy to further strengthen 
this important relationship.

                          ____________________