California Governor congratulates people of Azerbaijan on Republic Day
By Sara Rajabova
California's Governor Jerry Brown has congratulated the people of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani community in California on the occasion of the 96th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.
Brown has sent a congratulatory letter to the Consulate General of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles, the Consulate said.
He noted that Azerbaijan has "a storied history of trade, commerce, religion, and community" and "the Azerbaijani people in California and throughout the globe take pride in their culture and heritage."
"Republic Day is a time to celebrate and link to your ancestral homeland. Today's celebration honors and preserves traditions that have contributed to California's culture and diversity," Brown said.
May 28, 1918, marks the establishment of the ADR, the first independent republic and democratic state on the East. Although it existed for only 23 months, it brought about great progress in foreign policy, and introduced Azerbaijan to the international community.
Azerbaijan, which gained its independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union, celebrates May 28 annually as the Republic Day.
Governor Brown finished his congratulatory message by wishing on behalf of the state of California "the people of Azerbaijan and the people of Azerbaijani descent a very happy Republic Day."
Jerry Brown has been Governor of California since 2011. He previously served as California's 34th Governor from 1975 to 1983.