Azerbaijan Marks 107th Independence Day with Spirit of Sovereignty and Resilience

Islamabad: The Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan was celebrated with great fervor and patriotic spirit at a local hotel in Islamabad on Friday. Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, H.E. Khazar Farhadov, while addressing the ceremony, said that the day not only commemorates the declaration of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty but also reflects the nation’s enduring resilience, sacrifices, and unwavering pursuit of progress.

“Today we celebrate the 107th anniversary of our independence, marking the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic on May 28, 1918 – the first secular republic in the Muslim East,” Ambassador Farhadov said.

He noted that despite its brief existence of only 23 months, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic had laid the foundation for future independence by establishing democratic traditions, forming its first parliament and government, and asserting its position in the international community.

He emphasized that the current independent Republic of Azerbaijan is the legal successor of the Democratic Republic and regained its sovereignty in 1991. He credited the late national leader Heydar Aliyev for his immense contribution in stabilizing and preserving Azerbaijan’s independence during critical times.

Ambassador Farhadov further stated that under the dynamic leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has continued to pursue the vision of Heydar Aliyev, strengthening the state and enhancing its international standing.

Reflecting on bilateral relations, the Ambassador recalled that Pakistan was among the first nations to recognize Azerbaijan’s independence on December 12, 1991. Diplomatic ties between the two countries were formally established on June 9, 1992.

“Since the first day of our independence, we have always felt Pakistan’s full support—whether it be in bilateral engagements, within international forums, during the occupation of our lands by Armenia, or in the post-conflict reconstruction and peacebuilding process,” the envoy stated.

He highlighted that in 2020, Azerbaijan liberated its internationally recognized territories from nearly 30 years of Armenian occupation under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, implementing the four UN Security Council resolutions of 1993.

To reestablish constitutional order and prevent further hostilities in the Karabakh region, Azerbaijan carried out a successful anti-terror operation on September 19, 2023, which concluded within 23 hours and led to the full restoration of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty, he added.

Ambassador Farhadov proudly stated that Azerbaijan has declared 2025 as the “Year of Constitution and Sovereignty” to mark this new chapter in its national development.

Highlighting Azerbaijan’s growing global leadership, the envoy pointed out the country’s successful chairmanship of international platforms including the UN Security Council, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Organization of Turkic States.

“In this regard, I would like to highlight my country’s successful hosting of the COP29 conference, which not only underscored our leadership in global climate action but also provided a vital platform for international cooperation,” he said. He especially acknowledged Pakistan’s participation, led by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, as a symbol of strong climate partnership between the two brotherly nations.

The event concluded with the playing of national anthems, a cake-cutting ceremony, and a vibrant cultural program attended by diplomats, government officials, civil society members, and media representatives.