(MENAFN- AzerNews) The grand reception organized by the Embassy of the Republic of
Azerbaijan in Islamabad, marking Azerbaijan's upcoming Independence
Day on May 28, 2023.
The event, held at Sheesh Mahal, Serena Hotel, was attended by
foreign ambassadors to Pakistan, Representatives of the Pakistani
government, public, cultural, and business circles, high-ranking
officers, media representatives, as well as Azerbaijanis living in
Pakistan, Azernew s informs with reference to
Embassy.
Rana Tanveer, the Minister of federal Education and Professional
Training in the government of Pakistan, graced the event as the
chief guest. Alongside other esteemed guests, he participated in
the cake-cutting ceremony, adding to the celebratory atmosphere of
the occasion.
Ambassador Farhadov began his speech by expressing gratitude to
the attendees for joining in the celebration of Azerbaijan's
Independence Day.
Speech by Ambassador
Ambassador emphasized the significance of May 28, commemorating
the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in 1918 as
the first democratic secular republic in the Muslim East.
Recalling the achievements of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic
during its 3 decades existence, Ambassador Farhadov highlighted the
formation of the first Parliament and Government, the determination
of borders, and the adoption of national symbols, such as the flag,
anthem, and coat of arms.
Notably, recognizing equal rights for all citizens, irrespective
of ethnicity and religion, and granting women the right to vote
were remarkable milestones.
However, the Ambassador acknowledged the occupation of
Azerbaijan by the Bolsheviks in 1920, leading to the demise of the
Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.
It was only after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 that
the people of Azerbaijan reestablished their independent state,
building upon the traditions of their earlier republic.
Ambassador Farhadov expressed gratitude to the late National
Leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, who assumed power in 1993
during a crisis and played a vital role in strengthening the
nation's independence.
The Ambassador highlighted the ongoing celebrations of Heydar
Aliyev's 100th birth anniversary in Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and other
friendly countries.
Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan
continues to flourish, with notable successes in various areas of
national life.
The Ambassador emphasized the recent victory in the Patriotic
War 2020, during which the Azerbaijani Army liberated territories
from Armenian occupation within 44 days.
Subsequently, the government initiated extensive restoration and
reconstruction efforts, facilitating the return of Azerbaijani IDPs
and refugees to their ancestral lands.
Emphasis on Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations
The deep-rooted friendship, brotherhood, and strategic
partnership between Azerbaijan and Pakistan were highlighted as
significant pillars of bilateral relations.
Ambassador Farhadov expressed gratitude to Pakistan for being
among the first countries to recognize Azerbaijan's independence in
1991.
He underscored the mutual support between the two nations, both
bilaterally and within international organizations.
The Ambassador further emphasized the strengthening ties between
Azerbaijan and Pakistan, which have seen growth in various
fields.
Direct flights between the two countries, initiated in 2022,
have facilitated increased tourism, with 50,000 Pakistani visitors
to Azerbaijan in the same year.
The introduction of the online ASAN visa system for Pakistani
citizens has also enhanced people-to-people connectivity.
In recognition of the close ties, Azerbaijan exempted rice from
import customs duty for rice originating from Pakistan,
contributing to a nearly tripled trade turnover between the two
nations.
Ambassador Farhadov expressed gratitude to all attendees for
joining the celebration of Azerbaijan's Independence Day and
emphasized the continued growth of relations between Azerbaijan and
Pakistan.
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