PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
AZERBAIJANI INDEPENDENCE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY (9 October 2011)

That this House congratulates Azerbaijan on the 20th anniversary of its independence from the Soviet Union on 18 October 1991; notes that in this time it has joined the Council of Europe and formed close links with the EU; recognises the vital assistance which it has provided to NATO in Iraq and Afghanistan; further recognises that it provides a valuable alternative source of oil and gas for the European market; applauds the fact that despite being a predominantly Muslim country it has thriving Christian and Jewish communities; further notes that it now has one of the fastest growing economies in the world and that the UK is the principal source of foreign direct investment; and wishes the country well on its path towards becoming a fully-fledged member of the community of European democratic states.

Sponsored by:
Mark Field (Conservative)