Azerbaijan's Independence Day celebrated in Kyiv

Azerbaijan's Independence Day has been celebrated in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.

According to Report, the event was attended by Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) of Ukraine, Olena Kondratiuk, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Igor Zhovkva, ministers, MPs, representatives of various embassies in Kyiv, public and political figures, university heads, and diaspora activists.

Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Ukraine Seymur Mardaliyev gave a presentation, noting that 108 years ago, on May 28, 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic - the first secular parliamentary republic in the Muslim East - was proclaimed with its Declaration of Independence:

"This was not merely the declaration of a new state. It was a manifestation of a political culture oriented toward a future based on freedom, pluralism, equality, and democratic governance. It became a pioneering example of democratic governance in the East. 108 years later, today, under the wise and far-sighted leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan is recognized as a strong, independent, and internationally influential state firmly committed to sovereignty, territorial integrity, economic development, and constructive international partnership."

Deputy Speaker Olena Kondratiuk conveying congratulations on behalf of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, stated that Ukraine and Azerbaijan are strategic partners.

"We are friends united by history, shared challenges, and mutual support. We are grateful to Azerbaijan for the humanitarian aid provided, the support for our energy sector, and the restoration of destroyed infrastructure," Kondratiuk added.

Igor Zhovkva, in turn, noted that as early as 1918-1920, the Ukrainian People's Republic and the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic established diplomatic relations and developed cooperation as two young independent states.

"Despite all the difficulties, we have preserved this friendship. We express our deep gratitude for the support provided in the restoration of Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The value of aid to the energy sector has already exceeded 12 million dollars since 2022," Zhovkva emphasized.

Subsequently, a video showcasing Azerbaijan's nature, culture, and art was screened.

A special corner also featured a presentation of products made in Azerbaijan.