[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 99 (Wednesday, May 27, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E485-E486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE 102ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF 
                               AZERBAIJAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. PAUL COOK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 27, 2020

  Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 102nd 
Anniversary of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan.
  On May 28, 1918, Azerbaijan gained independence from the Russian 
Empire and became the first secular parliamentary democracy in the 
Muslim world. Unfortunately, Vladimir Lenin's Bolsheviks invaded 
Azerbaijan in

[[Page E486]]

1920 and incorporated it into the Soviet Union a few years later. When 
the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Azerbaijan declared independence 
and was quickly recognized by the United States.
  After restoring diplomatic relations in 1992, the United States and 
Azerbaijan began a partnership that has continued to this day. 
Azerbaijanis have fought alongside American troops in the Balkans, 
Afghanistan, and Iraq, and their country was among the first to express 
support for the United States after the September 11, 2001 terrorist 
attacks.
  Azerbaijan has also fostered close ties with American allies such as 
Israel, providing approximately 40 percent of the oil Israel consumes 
and partnering on economic and national security issues. Through its 
leadership in the Southern Gas Corridor initiative, Azerbaijan plays an 
important role in diversifying energy routes to maintain the energy 
security of key U.S. allies in Europe. As a pluralistic and secular 
Muslim-majority country, Azerbaijan is also home to thriving Jewish and 
Christian communities. This religious tolerance has been recognized by 
the European Parliament.
  I extend my best wishes to all Azerbaijanis on this momentous 
occasion and look forward to continued partnership between our two 
nations.

                          ____________________