Tazeen Akhtar
The Republic of Azerbaijan is celebrating the 106th anniversary of independence that is on May 28 the day in 1918. It is sometimes astonishing for who do not know the deep history of this great nation. Most of the people read history of Azerbaijan from its independence from Soviet Union 1991 but that was the actually the restoration of independence. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was established on May 28, 1918 that was the first democratic republic in the Muslim East.
Azerbaijan Democratic Republic had an existence of only 23 months but even within that short span of time, the Republic played a pivotal role in the formation of democratic traditions and the history of national statehood, and laid a solid foundation for the future independence of the Republic by strengthening the sentiments of freedom and independence.
Mr. and Mrs Khazar Nadir Oglu Farhadov , Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan and staff hosted the official reception dedicated to the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan with connection to upcoming COP29 in Baku.Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Ms Romina Khurshid Alam was the chief guest.It was thematic reception , the title and the chief guest were according to the theme.
The spacious hall of Serena Hotels was illuminating with colorful lights on 24 May 2024. The stage was decorated with COP29 theme in the background with fascinating city landscape of Baku. The guests from different countries and sectors in Pakistan were pouring in to express their solidarity and friendly ties with Azerbaijan and staff of the embassy. They included diplomats, gov officials, civil society, business community and media persons in large number.
Ambassador Farhadov shared in his welcoming address, “Within a remarkably brief span, Azerbaijan established its first parliament and government, defined its borders, instituted state attributes, and carried out crucial state-building measures. Important steps were taken in the field of state building, recognition of the Republic as a subject of international relations, and protection of its national interests.
“The legal successor of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the independent Republic of Azerbaijan restored its independence in 1991 and managed to preserve its sovereignty thanks to the Great leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev who has made an immense contribution to the people and the state of Azerbaijan, Ambassador shed light on the history.
“Azerbaijan has been implementing the policy of Heydar Aliyev, continuing and enriching it under the leadership of H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan”
Ambassador Khazar Nadir Oglu Farhadov
In 2020, under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan liberated its internationally recognized territories from the almost 30-years occupation by Armenia, implementing UN Security Council 4 resolutions of 1993.
Over the past years, Azerbaijan has successfully chaired several important organizations such as the UN Security Council, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Turkic States, and many others. In this month, on May 1-3, 2024, the 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue themed “Dialogue for Peace and Global Security: Cooperation and Interconnectivity” was held at the Baku Convention Center.
Ambassador touched the theme of the reception as , “The Republic of Azerbaijan was chosen to next host of COP29 in December 2023 with unanimous support from all countries, and it showcases the recognition of Azerbaijan`s leadership and efforts in addressing climate change at the national, regional, and global scales.”
Relations with Pakistan
H.E Farhodov expressed gratitude to Pakistan for full support to Azerbaijan on bilateral as well as within the framework of international organizations. Pakistan was one of the first countries that recognized the independence of Azerbaijan on Dec12, 1991. The diplomatic relations were established on June 9, 1992.
The relations continue to grow on an upward trajectory in all fields. Direct flights (from Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore) are being operated since 2022 by PIA, and 2023 by AZAL that what the Ambassador noted , tremendously contribute to these relations. More than 50.000 Pakistani tourists visited Azerbaijan in 2023.
“Pakistan is one of the countries that is included in the online ASAN visa system of Azerbaijan. Pakistanis can easily obtain a visa online within 3 hours and visit Azerbaijan. This direct connectivity brings people from all circles of the two countries closer. In Dec 2022, Azerbaijan exempted rice from Pakistan from import customs duty. It is not a coincidence that the trade turnover between the two brotherly countries reached up to 100 million dollars, Ambassador concluded.
Ms Romina Khurshid Alam, in her address, conveyed heartily congratulations to people and government of Azerbaijan on their Independence day. She reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to continue support for Azerbaijan in all areas and on all issues as brotherly nations and in response as well , as Azerbaijan stands with Pakistan on Jammu Kashmir issue.
She expressed Pakistan’s determination in mitigating the effects of climate change. She recalled the recent visit of the President nominate of COP29 , Mr. Mukhtar Babayev to Islamabad. He had extensive meetings in Islamabad with President, Prime Minister and other officials.Ms Romina Khurshid Alam was the keyperson in gov of Pakistan to coordinate his meetings and visits to different places.
Azerbaijan Ready to Share Experience of Shift to Green Energy from Fossil Fuel : President COP29
