Azerbaijan's Independence Day celebrated in Belgium

A celebratory event to mark Azerbaijan's Independence Day has been held at the Azerbaijani Embassy in Belgium, Luxembourg, and the EU, Report informs.

The national anthems of Azerbaijan, Belgium, and the EU were played at the beginning of the evening.

Azerbaijani Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the EU Vagif Sadigov, speaking at the event, noted that the Azerbaijani people deeply honor the memory of the founding fathers who laid the foundations of an independent state. He also paid tribute to the military personnel and civilians who gave their lives to restore Azerbaijan's independence and territorial integrity.

Discussing the country's success in domestic and international politics, the ambassador emphasized the intensification of political dialogue between Azerbaijan and the European Union institutions.

Recalling the visit to Baku of European Council President Antonio Costa in March and the visit of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas in May, he noted that these contacts reflect a new dynamic in relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union.

The ambassador emphasized that as the EU strengthens its ties with Central Asia, Azerbaijan is prepared to serve as a reliable transport and logistics hub thanks to its strategic geographic location and modern infrastructure.

In turn, Jafar Huseynzada, head of Azerbaijan's Mission to NATO, stated that independence requires not only a declaration but also ongoing protection, strong state institutions, and a robust defense capability. He noted that after national leader Heydar Aliyev returned to power in 1993, Azerbaijan embarked on large-scale political and military reforms, which, under President Ilham Aliyev, entered a new phase and ensured the restoration of the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders.

Huseynzada added that the end of the conflict and the establishment of peace in the region have enabled Azerbaijan to play a more active role in the international arena and strengthen its position as an influential geopolitical actor.

The event continued with a cultural program.