US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent a congratulatory message on the occasion of Azerbaijan's Independence Day, which reads in part:
"On behalf of the American people, I would like to congratulate you and the people of Azerbaijan on your Independence Day.
We support Azerbaijan's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. The United States continues to support efforts to promote peace and stability in the region, which are key to the prosperity of the South Caucasus. We also welcome the agreement reached this year on the text of the peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia. At the same time, we recognize Azerbaijan's growing importance as an energy supplier and transportation hub.
Our partnership, forged over the past 33 years, continues to advance our shared interests: security, energy cooperation, and economic growth. The United States remains committed to protecting fundamental freedoms in Azerbaijan, including freedom of the press, by the Constitution of Azerbaijan. "We look forward to deepening our cooperation and working together to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for Azerbaijan and the entire region," the message said.
