[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 95 (Friday, June 8, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E807-E808]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN RECOGNITION OF THE CENTENARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 8, 2018

  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 
100th anniversary of the Republic Day of Azerbaijan, and to convey my 
congratulations to the Republic of Azerbaijan and to all Azerbaijanis.
  On May 28, 1918, the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan was founded, 
becoming the first Muslim democratic state and gaining their 
independence from the Russian Empire for the first time. While that 
independence was initially short-lived, taken away when Russia invaded 
in 1920, Azerbaijan again became an independent nation on October 18, 
1991, and has since been an increasingly important ally for the U.S. in 
the South Caucasus.
  Like the city I represent, Houston, Azerbaijan's impressive economic 
growth has been driven by the oil and gas industry and shaped by 
adapting to the evolution of that industry. A number of American and 
international energy companies thrive in Azerbaijan and the Caspian 
Sea. Azerbaijan's rapid development of its energy infrastructure and 
expertise has helped it play a crucial role in protecting European 
energy security and U.S. geopolitical interests by ensuring a stable 
and sufficient flow of energy to Europe.
  As a secular Muslim country, Azerbaijan was a pioneer in extending 
equal political rights to women, becoming the first Muslim country to 
give women the right to vote in

[[Page E808]]

1918. After 9/11, Azerbaijan was and continues to be an important 
counterterrorism partner for the United States, participating in 
coalitions combating international terrorism and sending its own troops 
to support U.S.-led military efforts in Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Iraq.
  Azerbaijan is an important actor for the advancement of global 
security and diplomatic engagement on the world stage. It holds 
observer status in the World Trade Organization, was a non-permanent 
member of the United Nations Security Council from 2012 to 2013, and is 
a member of the NATO Partnership for Peace Program and the OSCE.
  I congratulate the people of Azerbaijan on their centennial 
celebration, and wish them many centuries more of prosperity and 
success.

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