Azerbaijan Marks Independence Day with Official Reception in Brussels
Brussels, The Gulf Observer: The Embassy of Azerbaijan in the Kingdom of Belgium hosted an official reception in Brussels to commemorate May 28, Independence Day, bringing together diplomats, government officials, representatives of international organizations, academics, media professionals, and members of the Azerbaijani community.
The event featured addresses by Vaqif Sadiqov and Jafar Huseynzade.
In his remarks, Ambassador Sadiqov highlighted the historic significance of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, describing it as the first democratic republic in the Muslim East. He paid tribute to the statesmen who contributed to the establishment of Azerbaijan’s statehood and honored the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The ambassador stressed the growing importance of diplomacy and multilateral cooperation amid increasing geopolitical uncertainty. He noted Azerbaijan’s successful hosting of major international events, including the 13th United Nations World Urban Forum, which he said received broad international recognition and further strengthened Azerbaijan’s reputation as a reliable global partner.
Addressing regional developments, Ambassador Sadiqov described recent progress in the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia as historically significant. He stated that the initialing of an agreement on peace and the establishment of interstate relations has created new opportunities for sustainable peace, stability, and cooperation in the region.
The ambassador also underscored the positive trajectory of relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union, as well as between Azerbaijan and Belgium. He noted that the European Union remains Azerbaijan’s largest foreign investor and highlighted expanding cooperation in renewable energy, transport, logistics, and digital transformation alongside traditional energy partnerships.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Huseynzade emphasized that preserving independence requires strong state institutions and credible defense capabilities. He noted that political and military reforms launched by Heydar Aliyev and further advanced under Ilham Aliyev have contributed to the restoration of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
He added that the end of regional conflict and the pursuit of peace have enabled Azerbaijan to assume a more active international role. Highlighting the country’s strategic location linking the South Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Black Sea region, Huseynzade said Azerbaijan’s energy resources and transit potential support an independent and multidimensional foreign policy.
The reception also featured a rich cultural program, including performances by Azerbaijani musicians and dancers based in various European countries, as well as young members of the Azerbaijani community in Belgium. Guests were offered traditional Azerbaijani cuisine and had the opportunity to visit an exhibition by Azerbaijani painter and sculptor Ramin Badzhar.
The event was attended by representatives of Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials from the European Union, members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Brussels, NATO representatives, and figures from the academic, cultural, and media sectors.
