[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 28, 2014)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E845-E846] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN ON THE 96TH ANNIVERSARY OF REPUBLIC DAY ______ HON. BILL SHUSTER of pennsylvania in the house of representatives Wednesday, May 28, 2014 Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Republic of Azerbaijan in celebration of the 96th anniversary of Republic Day on May 28th. Azerbaijan and the United States have developed a robust and growing relationship over the last two decades. Today we remain indispensable friends, which is an asset as we face many common challenges. Although located in a geopolitically tough location between Russia and Iran, Azerbaijan has consistently looked to the United States as an ally despite these difficult neighbors. A secular country with a predominantly Muslim population, Azerbaijan has also been home to vibrant Christian and Jewish communities representing a role model for peaceful coexistence and harmony of different religions and ethnic groups. It is remarkable that Azerbaijan provides roughly 40 percent of Israel's oil consumption. Azerbaijan's relations with Israel can serve as a model for many countries. Azerbaijan was also the first country to open Caspian energy resources to development by U.S. and European companies and has emerged as a key player for global energy security. The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline project, supported by successive U.S. Administrations, is the most successful project contributing to the development of the South Caucuses region. Currently Azerbaijan plays a leading role in opening up the Southern Gas [[Page E846]] Corridor, which will provide additional natural gas to Europe. On a security front, Azerbaijan has been a key ally in a post 9/11 era, emerging as one of the first countries to offer strong support and assistance to the United States. Actively participating in joint operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan, Azerbaijan has also extended important overflight clearances for U.S. and NATO flights and provided key supply routes to Afghanistan by making available its ground and Caspian naval transportation facilities. The transit route through Azerbaijan accounts for some 40 percent of the Coalition supplies bound for Afghanistan. As the Co-Chairman of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, it is my distinct pleasure to honor the Republic of Azerbaijan in celebration of the 96th anniversary of Republic Day and to recognize the valuable bilateral relationship between the United States and Azerbaijan. I also encourage my colleagues who are interested in supporting Azerbaijan to join me as a member of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, a bipartisan group of more than 60 Members of Congress working to help foster the growing partnership between the United States and Azerbaijan and to advance U.S. interests in this pivotal region. ____________________