28 May - Independence Day of Azerbaijan solemnly celebrated in Pakistan

On the occasion of May 28-Independence Day, The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Pakistan held an official reception at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad.

The reception was attended by Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Madam Romina Khurshid Alam as the main guest, foreign ambassadors to Pakistan, Representatives of the Pakistani government agencies, public, cultural, and business circles, high-ranking officers of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, media representatives, as well as Azerbaijanis living in Pakistan.

After the anthems of Azerbaijan and Pakistan, Ambassador Khazar Farhadov began his speech by expressing gratitude to the attendees for joining in the celebration of Azerbaijan’s Independence Day. The Diplomat talked about the path of independence of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), which celebrates its 106th anniversary this year. The ambassador emphasized that the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was established on May 28, 1918, and that was the first democratic republic in the Muslim East.

Talking about the achievements of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic during its 23 months of existence, Ambassador Khazar Farhadov stressed the formation of the first Parliament and Government, the determination of borders, and the adoption of national symbols, such as the flag, anthem, and coat of arms. He added that the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, though it had an existence of only 23 months, played a pivotal role in the formation of democratic traditions and the history of national statehood, and laid a solid foundation for the future independence of the Republic by strengthening the sentiments of freedom and independence.

The ambassador noted that the legal successor of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the independent Republic of Azerbaijan restored its independence in 1991 and managed to preserve its sovereignty thanks to the Great leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev who has made an immense contribution to the people and the state of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan has been implementing the policy of Heydar Aliyev, continuing and enriching it under the leadership of H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Speaking about the Patriotic War, the diplomat stressed that in 2020, under the leadership of Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan liberated its internationally recognized territories from the almost 30-years occupation by Armenia, implementing UN Security Council 4 resolutions of 1993.

Talking on the process of development of Azerbaijan in the field of international arena, Farhadov informed that Azerbaijan has successfully chaired several important organizations such as the UN Security Council, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Turkic States, and many others. He also informed that on May 1-3, 2024, the 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue themed “Dialogue for Peace and Global Security: Cooperation and Interconnectivity” was held at the Baku Convention Center. Ambassador added that Azerbaijan was chosen to next host COP29 in December 2023 with unanimous support from all countries, and it showcases the recognition of Azerbaijan`s leadership and efforts in addressing climate change at the national, regional, and global scales.

The diplomat also informed that the relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan continue to grow on an upward trajectory in all fields. Direct flights between Azerbaijan and Pakistan (from Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore) which have been operated since 2022 by PIA, and 2023 by AZAL tremendously contribute to these relations. He also noted that more than 50.000 Pakistani tourists visited Azerbaijan in 2023.

Ambassador added that Pakistan is one of the countries that is included in the online ASAN visa system of Azerbaijan. The citizens of Pakistan can easily obtain a visa online within 3 hours and visit Azerbaijan. This direct connectivity brings people from all circles of the two countries closer. In December 2022, the Government of Azerbaijan, taking into account the fraternal relations, exempted rice from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan with the same origin from import customs duty. It is not a coincidence that the trade turnover between the two brotherly countries reached up to 100 million dollars.

The high guest of the event, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Madam Romina Khurshid Alam, in her speech, first of all congratulated the Government and people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of Independence Day. Speaking about the relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister said that Pakistan greatly values its brotherly ties with Azerbaijan from its the first day of independence.

Stressing Pakistan's continues traditionally full support to the Republic of Azerbaijan both in bilateral format and within the framework of international organizations, as well as in OIC, Coordinator to the Prime Minister informed that the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was one of the first countries that recognized the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan on December 12, 1991, and the diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on June 9, 1992.

At the end of the event, a symbolic cake prepared on the occasion of the 106th anniversary of "May 28-Independence Day" was cut, and commemorative photographs were taken.

Also, various videos about Azerbaijan were shown during the event.