Islamabad, May 25, 2024, The Europe Today: The Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, commemorated the 106th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s independence, underscoring the nation’s enduring commitment to democratic traditions and national statehood.
“Today, we celebrate the 106th anniversary of our independence. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, established on May 28, 1918, was the first democratic republic in the Muslim East,” Ambassador Farhadov announced during the Independence Day celebration.
Reflecting on Azerbaijan’s historical milestones, Farhadov highlighted the country’s early achievements in establishing its first parliament and government, defining borders, instituting state attributes, and implementing crucial state-building measures. He emphasized the significant progress made in state-building, international recognition, and protecting national interests.
Despite its brief existence of only 23 months, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic laid a robust foundation for future independence by fostering democratic traditions and national statehood. “The legal successor of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the independent Republic of Azerbaijan, restored its independence in 1991, thanks to the leadership of Heydar Aliyev, who made immense contributions to our nation,” Farhadov remarked.
Continuing this legacy, President Ilham Aliyev has advanced the policies of Heydar Aliyev, leading to Azerbaijan’s liberation of its territories from Armenian occupation in 2020, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
Ambassador Farhadov expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s unwavering support since Azerbaijan’s independence. “From the first day of our independence, we felt Pakistan’s full support for the Republic of Azerbaijan, both in bilateral relations and within international organizations,” he stated.
Highlighting recent developments, Farhadov noted Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of several key international organizations and the successful hosting of the 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in May 2023. He also announced that Azerbaijan will host COP29 in December 2023, emphasizing the country’s leadership in addressing climate change.
Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize Azerbaijan’s independence on December 12, 1991, with diplomatic relations established on June 9, 1992. “The relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan continue to grow in all fields,” Farhadov noted, mentioning the introduction of direct flights between the two countries and the exemption of Pakistani rice from import customs duty by Azerbaijan.
Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Romina Khurshid Alam, representing Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, praised Azerbaijan’s progress since independence. “The relations between the two countries are getting deeper and stronger day by day, and the people of both countries are coming closer,” she said.
The celebration underscored the enduring and growing ties between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, marked by mutual respect, support, and increasing connectivity.
