[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 93 (Tuesday, June 4, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E703]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN ON ITS 101ST REPUBLIC DAY

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                         HON. MICHAEL R. TURNER

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 4, 2019

  Mr. TURNER. Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Republic 
of Azerbaijan on its 101st Republic Day. On May 28, 1918, the Republic 
of Azerbaijan was formed, becoming the first democracy in the Muslim 
world. Unfortunately, just a few short years later, Azerbaijan was 
invaded by the Russian Red Army in 1920 and was subsequently occupied 
by the Soviet Union.
  After the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991, Azerbaijan regained its 
independence and has been a key international partner of the United 
States ever since. Together, the United States and Azerbaijan continue 
to work as partners in combating terrorism and transnational threats. 
Azerbaijan has played a vital role in assisting our NATO allies and has 
supported U.S. operations overseas, particularly in Afghanistan.
  Azerbaijan is an important ally in bolstering European energy 
security--therefore, it is imperative that the United States continue 
to support initiatives such as the Southern Gas Corridor, which routes 
natural gas from Azerbaijan to Europe. Azerbaijan is a key partner in 
securing U.S. interests in the region.
  Madam Speaker, it is for these reasons that I urge all of my 
colleagues to join me in congratulating Azerbaijan on the 101st 
anniversary of its Republic Day.

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