California and New Mexico governors Schwarzenegger and Richardson congratulate Azerbaijanis on May 28, the Republic Day

Governor Schwarzenegger congratulated the celebrants of Azerbaijan’s Republic Day and said Azerbaijani-American residents made contributions to enrich communities and to enhance California’s blossoming diversity.

Governor of New Mexico Bill Richardson also congratulated Azerbaijani people in the United States on the day marks 91st anniversary of establishing the first democratic parliamentary republic in Azerbaijan. He said this was especially significant as in 1918, Azerbaijan granted equal voting rights to men and women alike ahead of many other countries. Azerbaijan is America’s reliable friend and a strong ally in combating international forces of extremism, said the Governor and added that Azerbaijani soldiers have been standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Americans from the Balkans to Iraq to Afghanistan in defense of common values and ideals. Throughout history, Azeris, including growing Azeri American population, have made many contributions to literature, the arts and sciences, sports.

Bill Richardson is the energy minister of the United States as well. Azerbaijan’s Consul General Elin Suleymanov met with him during his visit to New Mexico in April. Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger has congratulated Azerbaijani community of the State on the Republic Day since 2007. 

/APA/