Azerbaijan Celebrates 106th Independence Anniversary, Highlights Strong Ties with Pakistan

Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: H.E. Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, marked the 106th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s independence, emphasizing the country’s commitment to democratic traditions and national statehood since its early years of independence.

“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 stated during the Independence Day celebration.

Reflecting on Azerbaijan’s historical achievements, Farhadov highlighted that within a brief period, the country established its first parliament and government, defined its borders, instituted state attributes, and initiated crucial state-building measures. He noted the significant strides made in state-building, international recognition, and protecting national interests.

Despite its existence of only 23 months, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic laid a solid foundation for future independence, 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 furthered 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 steadfast 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 said.

Highlighting recent developments, Farhadov mentioned 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, underscoring 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, citing 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.