U.S. Representative for North Carolina's 11th congressional district Mark Meadows has issued a statement on the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. He said: “As the first Muslim-majority nation to embrace secular, elected government, Azerbaijan will always be a model for states who aim for progress, ongoing reform, and a step towards bettering the lives of their people. On behalf of the people of North Carolina, I also recognize the contributions of the Azerbaijani community in my home state.” “After the landmark 1918 independence declaration, a Bolshevik invasion cut short Azerbaijani independence. Yet, this dream was never extinguished, and in 1991 Azerbaijanis again created their own independence movement, successfully declaring their own state. Each time Azerbaijan reasserted its independence, the United States has been quick to recognize Azerbaijan. We should be proud of the lasting and valuable relationship we have enjoyed ever since,” the Congressman noted. Mark Meadows said: “Azerbaijan is a crucial and irreplaceable ally in the global fight against terror and an exemplary partner with the United States. I look forward to deepened bilateral cooperation, including towards the fullest realization of our commitments to good, democratic governance, trade, and progress in the Caspian region and beyond. As a country bordering both Russia and Iran, Azerbaijan’s membership in NATO’s Partnership for Peace program is particularly important. Azerbaijan has emerged as a crucially important transportation route for supplying U.S. operations, and I want to recognize Azerbaijan for providing troops to the U.S.-led mission in Afghanistan and for allowing NATO planes to use Azerbaijani airspace.” “Throughout my time in Congress, my colleagues and I on either side of the aisle have united in our staunch support of Israel. As a modern, secular Muslim country, Azerbaijan shares these values and stands out among its neighbors in the region for the strength and durability of this bond with Israel. As a nation with a Jewish community dating back many hundreds of years, and as a major provider of oil to Israel, the Azerbaijani-Israeli relationship, and indeed the Azerbaijani-American relationship, are on a path to greater cooperation and shared prosperity.” “It is important that Congress recognizes the historic milestones of our allies, especially those in a region where close cooperation with America is valuable and scarce. This is why I would like to recognize and congratulate Azerbaijan for the 100th anniversary of independence,” US Congressman Mark Meadows added.