U.S. President Barack Obama has extended his best wishes to Azerbaijan as the country marks the 20th anniversary of its independence.
In a White House statement Thursday, Mr. Obama recognized Azerbaijan's achievements since gaining independence, which he said demonstrates the extraordinary promise and determination of the Azerbaijani people.
The president also said the United States is committed to developing greater opportunities to work with the government and people of Azerbaijan.
The south Caucasus country first declared independence from Russia on May 28, 1918. It became part of the Soviet Union in 1922 and returned to independence during the last days of the Soviet Union in October 1991.