The statement says: “Azerbaijan was established in 1918 becoming the first democratic and secular republic in the Muslim world before being incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1920.
The U.S. and Azerbaijan have developed a strong relationship through the opening of Caspian energy sources for development by American companies, which has also allowed the country to emerge as an essential player in global energy security. Azerbaijan has continually assisted the United States on matters of international security, as well as being actively engaged in Afghanistan.”