[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8744]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  NATIONAL REPUBLIC DAY OF AZERBAIJAN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. DONALD M. PAYNE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 6, 2017

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the National 
Republic Day of Azerbaijan commemorating Azerbaijan's 99th year of 
independence and democracy. In 1918, Azerbaijan became the first 
democratic and secular Muslim country in the world. However, in 1920, 
the country was absorbed into the Soviet Union. After seven decades, 
Azerbaijan prevailed over the forces of communism to restore the 
country's independence in 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet 
Union. Azerbaijan's National Republic Day highlights the nation's 
significant contributions to global stability, and religious tolerance.
  As an unwavering U.S. ally, Azerbaijan has provided vital resources 
for U.S. and NATO forces and fought side-by-side with U.S. troops in 
Afghanistan. The United States is grateful for Azerbaijan's security 
contributions in Afghanistan, Kosovo and Iraq as well as the country's 
commitment to global nonproliferation efforts.
  As a tolerant and secular Muslim-majority nation, Azerbaijan is 
dedicated to religious pluralism and ensuring the right of religious 
freedom. Azerbaijan is home to a thriving Jewish community and since 
the early 1990s, bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Israel have 
grown in the fields of intelligence sharing, security coordination and 
economic development.
  I commend Azerbaijan for their participation in the international 
community as a member of the United Nations (UN), North Atlantic Treaty 
Organization (NATO) and the Organization for Security and Cooperation 
in Europe (OSCE).
  Azerbaijan is a strong partner of the United States in a 
strategically important and complex region of the world. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in congratulating the Azerbaijani people on their 
National Republic Day.

                          ____________________