Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan was celebrated in Chisinau

A solemn event dedicated to the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan took place in Chisinau.

The event, organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Moldova, was attended by the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, Igor Grosu, as a guest of honor. Officials of the Government of the Republic of Moldova, members of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions accredited to the Republic of Moldova, public and political personalities, veterans of the Second Karabakh War, as well as members of the Azerbaijani diaspora in the country also attended the event.

The official part of the reception started with honoring the national anthems of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Moldova.

In his speech, the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Moldova, Ulvi Bakhshaliyev, said that May 28 is a day written with golden letters in the history of the Azerbaijani nation's fight for freedom and independence. May 28, 1918 - the day when the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first democratic republic in the East and in the entire Muslim world, was founded. Unfortunately, twenty-three months after its foundation the republic fell. This showsthat maintaining independence is more difficult than obtaining it. The flag that was raised in 1918, was lowered in 1920. Afterwards, the Great Leader, Heydar Aliyev, raised and established this flag officially for the first time at the session of the Supreme Assembly of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Practically, the road to independence started from that historical moment.

"In the first years after regainin independence, Azerbaijan faced great difficulties, namely, occupation of a certain part of its territories by the Armed Forces of Armenia. However, under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan were able to liberate of our territories during the "44 Day Patriotic War" in 2020. In September 2023, following local anti-terrorist operations, we fully restored our territorial integrity and sovereignty. With deep regret, I must note that during the period of occupation, Armenia placed more than one million mines on our territories, which poses a serious threat to human lives - to date, about 400 civilians have been killed or seriously injured as a result of mine explosions in our liberated territories", said Ulvi Bakhsaliyev.

In his speech, the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, Igor Grosu, emphasized that this year marks 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Moldova and the Republic of Azerbaijan, stressing the positive dynamics of these relations.

“Both countries have much in common. All these years, our countries have supported each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders. Azerbaijan is an important partner for Moldova, both bilaterally and in the framework of international cooperation", the Speaker of the Parliament added.

"On behalf of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, I would like to extend my most sincere congratulations to the Azerbaijani people, along with wishes for peace, development and continued prosperity", - concluded the President of the Parliament.

The event was followed by traditional Azerbaijani dances, poetry recitals by the students of the Azerbaijani Sunday School, and guests had the opportunity to taste traditional Azerbaijani cuisine.