US congratulates Azerbaijani people on Republic Day
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo has extended congratulations to the Azerbaijani people on the occasion of May 28 – Republic Day.
The congratulatory message reads:
“On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of the Republic of Azerbaijan as you celebrate Republic Day.
The United States and Azerbaijan have enjoyed an important partnership for nearly 30 years. We engage on important issues such as security, energy and economic development, and the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Whether serving shoulder-to-shoulder to help establish peace in Afghanistan or working together to strengthen European energy security through the Southern Gas Corridor, our two countries continue to collaborate on some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
The United States remains strongly committed, as a Minsk Group co-chair country, to the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world unique challenges this year, I am confident the people of Azerbaijan will face up to them with courage and determination. The United States stands with you and supports the sovereignty and independence of Azerbaijan.”
Today, Azerbaijan is celebrating Republic Day.
One hundred two years have passed since the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first democratic secular state in the Muslim East on May 28, 1918.
The Azerbaijan government has been celebrating Republican Day as a national holiday since 1990.
On May 28, 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (1918-1920) – the first secular democratic state was founded in the Muslim East. It is the first experience of the Azerbaijani statehood in the historical memory of Azerbaijanis.
The independent Azerbaijan Republic has achieved great successes and victories during its short life. Among the critical accomplishments of the ADR was the extension of suffrage to women, making Azerbaijan one of the first countries in the world, and the very first majority-Muslim nation, to grant women equal political rights with men.