MS HC85

Recognizes February 28, 2012 as the twentieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Acknowledges Azerbaijan's role as a strategic partner in the South Caucasus region, serving as a key security ally between Iran and Russia and supporting U.S. counterterrorism and weapons nonproliferation efforts.

Highlights Azerbaijan's contributions to U.S. interests including support for NATO operations in Afghanistan, energy security through the "Southern Corridor," and expanding bilateral trade as the largest U.S. trade partner in the South Caucasus.

Recognizes Azerbaijan as a secular, predominantly Muslim nation with a centuries-long tradition of peaceful coexistence among religious communities and maintains close ties with Israel, supplying roughly one-third of Israel's crude oil imports.

Directs copies of the resolution to be furnished to the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, and Capitol Press Corps.