[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 92 (Tuesday, June 5, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E774-E775]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CONGRATULATING AZERBAIJAN ON ITS CENTENNIAL REPUBLIC DAY

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2018

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the Congressional Azerbaijan 
Caucus, I rise today to congratulate the Republic of Azerbaijan on its 
100th year of independence as

[[Page E775]]

the country celebrated the centennial Republic Day on May 28 of this 
year.
  Since first declaring independence from the Russian Empire in 1918, 
Azerbaijan sought to be an example for new nations by adopting a 
National Charter granting all citizens within its borders full civil 
and political rights, regardless of ethnic origin, religion, or gender. 
The United States was quick to recognize and support Azerbaijan in 1918 
and again in 1991, as Soviet dominance over the country ended.
  Since then, Azerbaijan has continued to be an ally and partner to the 
United States, notably being among the first to provide comprehensive 
and unconditional assistance following the September 11 terrorist 
attacks. Azerbaijan continued to support the Global War on Terror 
efforts in Afghanistan, providing airspace to NATO jets en route to 
Afghanistan, and ground transport for non-lethal supplies in the 
region. Notably, Azerbaijan is one of the few Muslim-majority countries 
that enjoys strong relations with Israel, and it is this commitment, 
not just to the United States, but also her allies, that shows 
Azerbaijan's continued dedication to remaining a trusted and close 
friend to democratic nations across the globe.
  Azerbaijan continues to be a leader in promoting global energy 
security. Once completed, the Southern Gas Corridor project will 
provide European markets access to natural gas in the Caspian Sea, 
allowing our European allies to diversify their energy sources, while 
bypassing Iran. This access is crucial to maintaining energy security 
in the region and promoting global trade opportunities for the United 
States and its allies.
  Mr. Speaker, I would again like to thank the people of Azerbaijan for 
their continued partnership and friendship, and ask my colleagues to 
join me in congratulating Azerbaijan on this historic centennial 
Republic Day.

                          ____________________