On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, on 28 May, the Embassy of Azerbaijan to Bulgaria hosted a reception at the Hyatt Regency Sofia hotel.

The event was attended by officials, ambassadors and diplomats, business representatives, cultural figures, media representatives, Azerbaijanis living in Bulgaria, and friends of Azerbaijan. Huseyn Huseynov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Bulgaria addressed his guests with a welcoming speech: Today we celebrate 106 th anniversary of the establishment of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR). Despite facing internal and external grave challenges arising from the collapse of the empire the ADR succeeded in setting effective state institutions and upholding the rights of its citizens. State-building and democracy building became the cornerstone of the newly established democratic republic, which was the first Muslim-majority country to found a parliamentary republic. The government was formed on the basis of accountability and separation of powers and the parliament was a multi-party and truly representative legislature. ADR surpassed leading Western countries in granting women the right to vote and hold office in 1918. Another vital pillar of the state-building process came with the establishment of the Chamber of Appeals, creating in effect a modern judicial system that would check the powers of Parliament and Cabinet of Ministers. The independence of the ADR was recognized at the Paris Peace Conference however it was cut by the Soviet invasion in April 1920. Despite the foreign invasion the nation’s spirit of independence survived decades of captivity. As the successor of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic the today’s Republic of Azerbaijan restored its state independence in 1991. It was the time when Azerbaijan was at the verge of loss of its restored independence, which was gravely troubled with military aggression and occupation of 20% of its internationally recognized territories. The extensive and prompt reforms as well as the precisely elaborated development strategy turned independent Azerbaijan to a modern and powerful state with growing economic development and political influence. Promotion of building integrity and good governance besides the successful implementation of socio- economic reforms began to gradually improve, generating high economic performance and growth. Azerbaijan has advanced from the participant and observer to a promoter and executor of a number of international key energy, transportation and infrastructure initiatives and serving as a host to prestigious political, economic and humanitarian global platforms. Azerbaijan’s successful multi-vectored economic and foreign policies have become both the means and the ends in pursuit of its growing self-sufficiency and self-reliance. Azerbaijan is increasingly perceived as a secure, stable and sustainable power in the region, and reliable and trusted partner in the globe. Azerbaijan advances its interest in peaceful coexistence and mutually advantageous relations both on bilateral and multilateral fora, engaging its partners with respect and cordiality. Situated on the crossroads between the West and the East, Azerbaijan has absorbed the values of both civilizations and has the unique nature of belonging to both cultures. It is a country with fabulous nature, ancient history and rich culture, and the lifestyle of its people presents a harmonious combination of different cultures and confessions. The country takes pride in its religious and ethnic diversity preserving and promoting the languages, traditions, and customs of all the ethnic groups that form parts of the nation’s cultural fabric.

Ambassador continued his speech in Bulgarian: Dear friends, I am pleased to inform you that in the coming days, we will celebrate the thirty-second anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria. Over the past three decades, we have successfully developed multifaceted cooperation in various areas of mutual interest. However, there is still enormous potential and excellent opportunity for further promoting our strategic partnerships. We are ready to strengthen the close relations for the benefit of our friendly peoples.

Long live the eternal friendship between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria!