An official reception marking 28 May – Independence Day of Azerbaijan was held at the Lancaster House in London, a prestigious and historic venue for celebrations.
Organized by the Azerbaijani Embassy in the United Kingdom, the event was attended by representatives of the British Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense and other government agencies, a representative of the Royal Palace, the British MPs, numerous ambassadors accredited in London and other reps of the diplomatic corps, political and public figures, media representatives, as wells members of the Azerbaijani diaspora and Azerbaijani students studying in the UK.
The event began with the performance of the national anthems of both countries.
In his remarks, Elin Suleymanov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the United Kingdom, provided insight into the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), noting the ADR was the first parliamentary democracy founded in the Muslim East.
“Despite the fact that the ADR existed for only 23 months, it was precisely 107 years ago that it laid the foundation for progressive traditions of statehood, and that modern Azerbaijan was founded anchored on those statehood traditions and principles,” the diplomat underlined.
Expressing his appreciation for the congratulatory letter addressed by Charles III, King of the United Kingdom, to President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of independence, Ambassador Suleymanov commended the multifaceted and intensive development of ties between Azerbaijan and the UK.
Noting that the official reception was dedicated not only to Independence Day, but also to the upcoming Armed Forces Day in Azerbaijan, the diplomat highlighted the exceptional role of the Azerbaijani Army in the liberation of its lands, as well as in ensuring and protecting the country’s security. He also congratulated the personnel of the Azerbaijani army, especially the Supreme Commander-in-Chief on the upcoming holiday.
Speaking at the event, representative of the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ambassador Mark Clayton also hailed relations between the two countries, noting that he takes pride in the depth and breadth of bilateral relations.
Emphasizing that Azerbaijan has faced many challenges on its path to independence, Mark Clayton stated that the UK welcomes the steps undertaken by Azerbaijan and Armenia towards normalization, including the meeting of the countries’ leaders in Tirana as part of the European Political Community.
The event continued with a banquet and concert program organized for the participants.
Ayten Abbasli
Special correspondent
