U.S. congressmen congratulate Azerbaijan on Republic Day
By Sara Rajabova
The U.S. congressmen made statements in connection with Azerbaijan's National Holiday - the Republic Day.
Co-chair on the Working Group on Azerbaijan, Steve Cohen congratulated Azerbaijani people with the Republic Day in his statement, Azerbaijan's embassy in the U.S. reported.
Noting that Azerbaijan regained its independence in 1991, Cohen said the country faced serious challenges during the years of independence, adding that 20 percent of Azerbaijani territory is still occupied by Armenia.
He also mentioned the partnership between Azerbaijan and the U.S. in security sphere, emphasizing the country's contribution to Europe's energy security.
Meanwhile, Congressman Michael Turner, who is the author of the draft resolution to support the Southern Gas Corridor nominated in the U.S. House of Representatives, stressed in his statement the important role of Azerbaijan in the energy security of Europe.
He also noted Azerbaijan's significance in terms of Southern Gas Corridor diversification supplies, which will transport Azerbaijani gas to Europe.
Congressman Jim Bridenstine marked that Azerbaijan is the strategic partner of the U.S., adding that National Guard of Oklahoma State, which he represents, cooperates closely with Azerbaijani Armed Forces, within the U.S. Partnership for Peace program.
In turn, Congressman Henry Cuellar stressed the importance of strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and the U.S., noting that Azerbaijan makes a significant contribution in energy security of Europe, Turkey and other countries.
Thereby, the total number of statements on Azerbaijan made in Congress has reached nine.
The report notes that on May 28, 2014 congressmen Bill Shuster, Virginia Foxx, Paul Cook, Michelle Grisham and Madeleine Bordallo made a statement in connection with 96th Anniversary of the establishment of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, and before that, the congressman Steve Stockman has put out a resolution in association with Azerbaijan's Republic Day in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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.