[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 16] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 21764-21765] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]RECOGNIZING THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF AZERBAIJAN'S INDEPENDENCE ______ HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ of texas in the house of representatives Friday, September 29, 2006 Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, as Co-Chair of the Azerbaijan Caucus, I rise to congratulate one of our key democratic allies--the Republic of Azerbaijan--as it prepares to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of its independence on October 18. Azerbaijan is one of the United States' leading allies on the war against terrorism, with the distinction of being among the first to offer our nation unconditional support; providing airspace and airport use for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghistan. And, AzerbaIjan was also the first Muslim nation to send troops to Iraq. Though bilateral cooperation on terrorism issues between the United States and Azerbaijan predates September 11, 2001, our relations were strengthened following their immediate, and heretofore unwavering, support against the war on terrorism. Azerbaijan cooperates with the United States within international and regional institutions including the UN, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and NATO's Partnership for Peace program. Regionally, Azerbaijan works together with the United States within the framework of the Organization for Democracy and Development--GUAM which is comprised of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. GUAM was created as a political, economic and strategic alliance in order to collaboratively address common risks and threats and thereby strengthen the independence and sovereignty of its member states. The Republic of Azerbaijan is a standout nation among the South Caucasus countries, with a population of 8 million people and an ambitious economic policy. During the last decade Azerbaijan has been implementing structural reforms and adopting numerous laws and legislative changes, paving the way toward further integration with in the global economy. The nation has been moving toward a more diversified economy to achieve sustainable growth and to meet the social and development needs of its population. Diversification of the economy and ensuring the development of non- oil sectors is a priority for the government. This policy includes implementation of projects and programs that create favorable conditions for development of private entrepreneurship, attracting investment in non-oil sectors, creating new jobs, evaluation of potential industries and markets and development of infrastructure in the regions. The last 15 years of independence has not been without challenges, but the country has grown stronger with each new challenge it faces. Let us today commend the Republic of Azerbaijan on their forthcoming 15th Anniversary celebrations. And, let us also commit ourselves to their continued development as a global partner against the terrorism, toward economic growth, diversification of energy resources, and strengthening stability and security in the region. [[Page 21765]] ____________________