Statement of US Congressman Steve Chabot on Azerbaijan's Republic Day

On May 28, US Congressman Steve Chabot, Co-Chair of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, made a statement on the occasion of the 103rd anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, Report informs.

"Azerbaijan has a proud history as an independent country, beginning in 1918. With its independence, Azerbaijan became the very first secular parliamentary democracy in the Muslim world. Azerbaijan was also among the first states to grant women the right to vote. Azerbaijan's commitment to these values shows the world that they are truly universal and that self-government and respect for individual rights are not inimical to Islamic traditions. Unfortunately, Azerbaijan's independence was soon snuffed out by the totalitarian USSR, which sought to spread values much different to those espoused by the fledgling Azerbaijan Democratic Republic,” the congressman said.

“After the fall of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan regained its independence. 2021 is particularly notable in this regard as it marks the thirtieth anniversary of this event,” he noted.

“Today, Azerbaijan remains a close partner to the United States and our allies. Throughout the United States and NATO's long deployment to Afghanistan, Azerbaijan has been integral in ensuring stable lines of communication to the country and has partnered with us in the wider war on terror. Additionally, I find it significant and praiseworthy that as a Muslim country, Azerbaijan maintains strong relations with the Jewish community and with our ally Israel, and has done so for some time,” he said.

The congressman stressed that Azerbaijan is a key energy provider for Europe, and thus, helping US allies there diversify their energy supply. According to him, Azerbaijan's importance as an energy provider will only grow as a result of the opening of the Southern Gas Corridor last December.