[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 100 (Thursday, May 28, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E499]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMEMORATING THE 102ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE AZERBAIJAN DEMOCRATIC 
                                REPUBLIC

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN HERN

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 28, 2020

  Mr. KEVIN HERN of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
commemorate the 102nd anniversary of Republic Day in Azerbaijan, which 
recognizes the establishment of the first independent, secular 
democracy in the Middle East in 1918.
  While they spent much of the 20th century under Soviet control, their 
undying faith in democracy was rewarded in 1991 when the Azerbaijan 
Democratic Republic reclaimed its independence after the collapse of 
the USSR. The United States swiftly established diplomatic relations in 
1992.
  A reliable American ally, Azerbaijani troops have fought side-by-side 
with Americans against international terrorism in Afghanistan, Balkans, 
and Iraq. They help secure international energy security of our allies 
through their support of Southern Gas Corridor and the diversification 
of energy routes. A friend of Israel, they provide 40 percent of 
Israel's oil consumption. Azerbaijan is a secular Muslim-majority 
country dedicated to religious pluralism and home to thriving Christian 
and Jewish communities.
  As an Oklahoman and member of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, I 
am proud that Azerbaijan's friendship with the United States is 
celebrated in my home state through the Oklahoma-Azerbaijan National 
Guard Partnership.
  I once again wish to extend my sincere congratulations to our 
partners in Azerbaijan on this worthy day.

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