[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 82 (Friday, May 18, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H4235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN

  (Mr. PERRY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebration of the 100th 
anniversary of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
  On May 28, 1918, Azerbaijan declared its independence following the 
Bolshevik victory in the Russian Revolution of 1917, and the withdrawal 
of Russian troops from the Caucasian Front during World War I. Just 2 
years later, Azerbaijan fell to the Red Army and lost its independence 
to the Soviet Union.
  While its initial independence was short, it laid the foundation for 
the country that exists today. Since ultimately gaining its 
independence in 1991, Azerbaijan has played an increasing important 
role in the region and the world.
  Azerbaijan is a key military ally to the United States. Its 
peacekeepers have served alongside American and NATO troops in Kosovo, 
Iraq, and Afghanistan. Today, Azerbaijan has 120 troops in Afghanistan 
supporting the NATO-led Resolute Support mission there.
  Azerbaijan also became a leader in the energy sector. Since one of 
the world's first oil wells was drilled south of Baku in 1848, 
Azerbaijan has developed its natural resources and is helping to reduce 
Europe's reliance on Russian gas through the development of the Trans-
Anatolian Pipeline.
  The Baku Flame Towers, now a global city for the country, pays homage 
to Azerbaijan's nickname, ``the land of fire,'' hailing from the rich 
deposits of natural gas.
  The United States is grateful for Azerbaijan's friendship and we wish 
its people continued peace and prosperity.

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