Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan celebrated in Kyiv

A reception was organized in the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, on the occasion of Azerbaijan's Independence Day.

AZERTAJ reports that the event, organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Ukraine in compliance with security rules related to wartime conditions, was attended by Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Olena Kondratiuk, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleksandr Mischenko, members of Parliament, embassies of foreign states, public and political figures, diplomats, university rectors, diaspora activists and Azerbaijanis residing in Ukraine.

The reception began with the performance of the National Anthems of Azerbaijan and Ukraine.

Delivering speech, Ambassador Seymur Mardaliyev said that 107 years ago, on May 28, 1918, with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) - the first parliamentary democratic state in the entire Muslim East was founded. ADR was founded on the principles of freedom, equality and national self-determination. This was not only a bold assertion of our people’s right to statehood, but also a pioneering example of democratic governance in the East. Although the ADR was short-lived due to the Bolshevik invasion in April 1920, this experience of independent nationality has become an important part of the national identity since the Republic of Azerbaijan regained its independence in 1991 and proudly declared itself the successor of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

Ambassador noted that 107 years later, today, as an independent, sovereign and democratic country, under the wise and far-sighted leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan is realizing the dreams and ideals of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic through effective governance, the development of socio-economic and human capital, and its growing role and influence in the international arena. Azerbaijan is experiencing the most glorious and successful period in its long history and has never been stronger than now.

Vice Speaker Olena Kondratiuk, who expressed congratulations on behalf of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on the occasion of Azerbaijan’s Independence Day, noted in her speech that this is a special holiday. “Ukraine and Azerbaijan are strategic partners. Moreover, we are friends, united by history, common challenges and mutual support. We are grateful for the humanitarian assistance provided to Azerbaijan, the support provided to our energy sector, the restoration of the destroyed infrastructure. May this Independence Day be a holiday of hope, strength and unity! On behalf of the Ukrainian Parliament, I wish the people of Azerbaijan peace and prosperity!”, added Olena Kondratiuk.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleksandr Mischenko, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, conveyed congratulations to the Azerbaijani state. “It is with great pleasure that I congratulate our strategic partner, Azerbaijan, on Independence Day. Since February 2022, the value of humanitarian aid provided by Azerbaijan has exceeded $41 million,” said the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. Oleksandr Mischenko also noted that the diaspora plays an important role in the bilateral relations between Ukraine and Azerbaijan.

Event was accompanied by the video, embodying the fascinating nature, culture and art of Azerbaijan, as well as with presentation of the products made in Azerbaijan.

The participants of the event were presented with delicious dishes of the national cuisine of Azerbaijan.

Emil Huseynli

Special correspondent of AZERTAC

Kyiv