By Senators Roach, Parlette, Mullet, Baumgartner, Frockt, Benton, Chase, Ericksen, Pedersen, Angel, Habib, Litzow, Ranker, Honeyford, Hargrove, Hill, Hasegawa, Becker, Conway, O'Ban, Kohl-Welles, Darneille, Billig, Jayapal, and Fraser

WHEREAS, The citizens of Washington state value economic and cultural exchange; and

WHEREAS, The people of Azerbaijan observe Azerbaijan Republic Day on May 28th; and

WHEREAS, On this same day in 1918, the people of Azerbaijan declared independence and formed the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic; and

WHEREAS, The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was the first secular democracy in the Islamic world and its citizens have committed to protecting their freedom and democracy; and

WHEREAS, The Republic of Azerbaijan is today a staunch ally and partner of the United States in the strategically important South Caucasus region bordering Iran, Russia, and Central Asia; and

WHEREAS, The Republic of Azerbaijan and the United States share a strong commitment to diversifying energy supplies, fighting terrorism, and promoting regional security; and

WHEREAS, Possessing vast oil and gas resources, Azerbaijan contributes to the energy security of the United States and its European allies, and is a critical element of the "Southern Corridor," which will further enhance diversification of energy supplies to our European allies; and

WHEREAS, The Republic of Azerbaijan has consolidated its sovereignty and independence, and has become one of the most rapidly developing countries in the world and the biggest United States trade partner in the South Caucasus; and

WHEREAS, Azerbaijan has become a major regional partner of such Washington-based companies as Boeing and Microsoft, and has signed multibillion dollar contracts that have created thousands of new American jobs in Washington; and

WHEREAS, Azerbaijan, represented by its consulate general, attaches great importance to expanding its relations in all spheres, including trade, cultural, and educational exchange with the State of Washington; and

WHEREAS, It is critical for the United States of America to further strengthen relations with its allies, such as Azerbaijan, to advance our common interests, presently and in the future;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize and support the strategic partnership and friendship between the United States of America and the Republic of Azerbaijan, and trust that our relations will be further enhanced through mutual efforts over the years to come.