05/29/14 - Statement submitted for the Congressional Record on Azerbaijan Republic Day - Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 96th anniversary of Republic Day in Azerbaijan on May 28. Azerbaijan is a secular, modern, Muslim country, which practices broad religious tolerance. Established in May 28, 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was the first republic in any majority-Muslim country. In 1920 Russia occupied Azerbaijan and several Azeris lost their lives fighting for their independence. After years of living under Soviet rule, Azerbaijan reclaimed its independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Over the last twenty-three years, the Republic of Azerbaijan has strengthened its sovereignty and independence, and has developed into one of the fastest growing economies in the region. Azerbaijan is also a staunch ally and strategic partner of the United States in the decisively important Caspian region. As a valuable international ally, Azerbaijan provided aid to the United States directly following the devastating events of 9/11, assisting the United States on matters of international security.

Azerbaijan resides in one of the world's most dangerous neighborhoods, with Russia to the north and Iran to the south; however, the U.S. and Azerbaijan have developed a steadfast relationship through the opening of Caspian energy sources for development. Making significant contributions to the energy security of Europe, Turkey, and Israel, Azerbaijan has materialized as a fundamental player in global energy security.

Again, it is my pleasure to honor the Republic of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the 96th anniversary of the Republic Day, and to distinguish the many achievements of Azerbaijan along with the remarkably valuable partnership between the United States and Azerbaijan.

07/18/13 - Member spoke at pro-Azerbaijan event to promote SOCAR and southern gas pipeline which ostensibly organized by US-based Assembly of the Friends of Azerbaijan. Saw photos of BP executive at the event. Addressing the event, Sen. Mike Crapo, Reps. Mike Turner, Xavier Becerra, Robert Aderholt, Henry Cuellar, Leonard Lance, Gene Green, Dana Rohrabacher, Ruben Hinojosa, Matt Cartwright, Bill Cassidy, Mike Fitzpatrick and Steve Stockman, Grace Meng, Yvette Clark and Sheila Jackson Lee. http://en.apa.az/news/196510

03/14/13 - Attended the Turkic American Alliance conference in DC also organized by the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSKON). http://turkicamericanalliance.org/convention-dinner-and-gala/

02/26/13 - Remarks submitted for the Congressional Record on Azerbaijan and oil - Mr. Speaker, I recently returned from a visit to the nation of Azerbaijan, the tiny democracy in Central Asia located between Russia and Iran. They are our friends, and they live in one of the world's most dangerous neighborhoods.

They celebrate a culture of diplomacy, which they credit with surviving as a nation since humans began walking the Earth. A population of mostly Muslims, Azeris have long welcomed other faiths. They have a large Christian community, and a proud Jewish community, as well as dozens of ethnic minorities.

Even before the United States gave women the right to vote, Azerbaijan gave women the right to vote. Women serve in their legislature. As the father of daughters, I wanted to see a Muslim country that was not the stereotype of how Americans often see a Muslim nation.

Azerbaijan really does offer a remarkably different look at how developing democracies in the republics of the former Soviet Union can welcome people of all faiths, and institute the organs of civil society. They are a model for other developing democracies.

In the famous ``Old City,'' ancient walls surround the old city of the 12th Century. This walk through history, mind you, is in the midst of a modern capitol city--a bustling city where infrastructure is constantly improving.

Here's something Azeris have in common with Texans: they are a rich oil producing nation. As we do in Texas, Azeris have a long history with oil. Today, they supply the pipeline that moves Caspian oil to the west, via Turkey, without running the oil supply through Russia or Iran. That greatly increases the security of the pipeline.

Azeris have an interesting way of investing their oil profits in future generations, using the money they make from oil to build roads, bridges, tunnels, city parks, and public buildings. They also use it for overseas scholarships and to build alternative energy sources in Azerbaijan. They know oil is a finite resource.

But their present day energy supply feeds a large part of the energy needed in Europe and Turkey, our NATO allies. Azerbaijan supplies close to half of the energy needs of Israel.

I encourage my colleagues in the House of Representatives to learn more about Azerbaijan and their evolving economy.