Congressman Robert Aderholt (R- Ala.) today called on the administration to support the nation of Azerbaijan, a northern neighbor to Iran.

The congressman said Azerbaijan was an important ally of the United States, and noted the country`s strategic location, as well as its support for anti-terrorist operations in Afghanistan, AzerTag state news agency reported.

He hailed Azerbaijan’s role in ensuring the energy security of Europe and Israel. Aderholt stressed the significance of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline and the Southern Gas Corridor.

Aderholt also urged the administration to quickly approve a new ambassador to the former Soviet republic.

According to Stephen M. Greenberg and Mark Levin of the National Coalition Supporting Eurasian Jewry, Jews living in Azerbaijan do so without persecution and, in contrast to certain European countries, the country is not experiencing a rise in anti-Semitism. Furthermore, Azerbaijan maintains close ties with Israel.

A rarity among nations with Muslim majorities, Azerbaijan maintains strong diplomatic, economic and military ties with Israel. In an example of their close relationship, Azerbaijan and Israel plan to implement visa-free travel for those with diplomatic passports traveling between the two countries.

Azerbaijani-Israeli links extend beyond diplomacy to economics and security. Azerbaijan supplies 40 percent of Israel’s oil needs through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. Israel is Azerbaijan’s third largest trading partner, with commerce between the two countries totaling $4 billion.

Greenberg and Levin also note that Azerbaijan has been a good friend of the United States and the West, contributing troops to help fight in Afghanistan and participating in NATO exercises.

Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon visited the country in September and in 2012, Azerbaijan made a $1.5 billion arms purchase from Israel.

[Photo: wwwAZEaz / YouTube ]