Reception on occasion of 99th Anniversary of the Republic Day and 25th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Estonia held in Tallinn

On the occasion of the 99th Anniversary of the Republic Day and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Estonia an official reception organised by the Embassy of Azerbaijan was held on May 25^th at “Hilton Tallinn Park” hotel in Tallinn.

After playing the national anthems of Azerbaijan and Estonia, Ambassador H.E. Murad Najafbayli delivered the speech about the significance of the Republic Day and the history of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. Ambassador noted that the establishment of the first democratic republic in the Muslim East was declared on May 28, 1918 with the Declaration of Independence. Azerbaijan Democratic Republic had a great importance in the retrieval of nation-state’s traditions. Ambassador stated that the creation of statehood was an important achievement that included the parliament of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, multi-party system of government and all the attributes of statehood, as well as the right to vote that was given first time to women before than in many other countries in the East. Independence of Azerbaijan was recognized by 26 countries and diplomatic relations were established with 19 of them.

In 1991, when Azerbaijan achieved independence, in spite of the Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan that resulted in occupation of 20 percent of its territory and despite the ethnic cleansing during which more than one million Azerbaijan person became refugees and internally displaced persons, Azerbaijan accomplished great success in political, economic, social and diplomatic fields by virtue of the national leader Heydar Aliyev.

According to the ambassador, the current president Mr. Ilham Aliyev ensures successfully the sustainable development of the country by political and economic reforms. National leader Heydar Aliyev's far-sighted policy is continually carried out. Ambassador declared that Azerbaijan has showed itself as a reliable partner with its independent policy in the international arena over the past 26 years and has made a great effort to evolve regional development, security and stability, as well as contributing to multiculturalism.

Later, H.E. Murad Najafbayli stressed the importance of the year 2017 in the relations between Azerbaijan and Estonia because of the establishment of diplomatic relations between two countries in April 20, 1992.

Chairman of the Estonia-Azerbaijan Interparliamentary Friendship Group, Mr. Denis Borodich made a congratulatory speech on the occasion of the Republic Day.

Mr. Borodich mentioned the meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade-Economic Cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Estonia in Baku that was held this year. Mr. Borodich indicated about the encounter with President of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev, as well as the Parliament Speaker, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and other officials that was great honour for Estonian delegation.

Mr. Borodich expressed satisfaction with the sustainable development of political and economic relations between Estonia and Azerbaijan and noted that high-level visits in the past year eventuate in the enhancement of bilateral relations. He added that there are good opportunities for further expansion of cooperation between the two countries.

Mr. Borodich affirmed that Estonia supports the territorial integrity of the Azerbaijan and expressed hope about liberation of the occupied territories and restoration of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan in a short period of time, he expressed confidence that it will be achieved soon.

Mr. Boroditch was noting the positive impression about Azerbaijan - beautiful, safe and developed democratic state.

At the end of his speech, Mr. Denis Boroditch wished well-being, progress and prosperity to the people of Azerbaijan.

 The formal part was followed by a banquet.

Head of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade-Economic Cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Estonia, Minister of Public Administration Mr. Mihail Korb and other government officials, members of the Estonia-Azerbaijan Interparliamentary Friendship Group, members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of parliament, leadership of the Estonian Academy of Sciences, members of the diplomatic corps, management of various companies, Estonia's national television and radio company's management and employees, media representatives, journalists, academics, prominent public and cultural figures, businessmen, as well as Estonia's Jewish, Tatar, Georgian, Lithuanian and Azerbaijani communities were represented at the event.

Various videos presenting Azerbaijan’s economy and culture were shown, featured with Azerbaijani music.