Azerbaijani Embassy marks Independence Day

Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Korea Ramzi Teymurov delivers a speech during a reception commemorating the country's Independence Day as well as the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Azerbaijan and Korea at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, May 24. Courtesy of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Korea

By Kwon Mee-yoo

The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Korea celebrated the country's Independence Day as well as the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Korea, May 24.

During a reception held at a hotel in central Seoul, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Korea Ramzi Teymurov began his opening remarks with the joy of seeing friendly faces safe and sound after more than two years, as the national day celebration could not be held physically due to the pandemic.

Azerbaijani Independence Day commemorates when the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was founded on May 28, 1918, when the South Caucasus country declared independence from the Russian Empire.

"It was exactly on May 28, 1918, when the first parliamentary democracy in the Muslim world, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, was founded with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence," the ambassador said.

"Despite facing grave internal and external challenges arising from the collapse of the Russian Empire, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic succeeded in setting up effective state institutions, upholding the rights of its citizens and gaining the trust of the international community," he said.

The ambassador went on to explain the country's history as part of the Soviet Union and how it regained independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

“Today, the Republic of Azerbaijan under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev as an independent, sovereign and democratic country brings into reality the aspiration and ideals of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic with its good and effective management, socio-economic and human capital development as well as its growing role and prestige in international relations,” the ambassador said.

The celebration also marks the second Independence Day after the country liberated the Karabakh and East Zangezur regions in 2020.

As the diplomatic ties between Azerbaijan and Korea turn 30 this year, the ambassador highlighted how bilateral relations entered into their most dynamic period in 2006 and 2007 when the heads of state exchanged visits.

"At present, Azerbaijan is the largest economic and trade partner of Korea in the South Caucasus region. Apart from the Korean Embassy, the offices of KOICA and KOTRA successfully operate in Azerbaijan as well," Teymurov said.

"Seventy-four Korean companies operating mainly in the fields of construction, trade and transport are registered in Azerbaijan. And at the same time, Korean companies participate as contractors in state-owned projects in our country."

Azerbaijan is also one of the key partner countries in terms of the allocation of official development assistance (ODA) by Korea.

The ambassador noted that the high-level relations between Azerbaijan and Korea are dynamic and unique in the South Caucasus region and Korea is one of the important partners of Azerbaijan to take part in the restoration work of the liberated territories of Karabakh and East Zangezur.

Yun Seong-deok, Korea's deputy minister for economic affairs, delivered a congratulatory speech.

"Although Azerbaijan may be far away from Korea geographically, we are close in terms of cultural identity and mentality. There are common elements in our values," Yun said.

"The world is facing a number of transnational challenges, such as COVID-19, climate change and the energy transition. My government is willing, and there is a need, to work and communicate closely with Azerbaijan in transforming various crises into opportunity.”