Reception held in Paris to mark Azerbaijan's Independence Day

A grand reception was organized in Paris on the occasion of Azerbaijan's Independence Day and Armed Forces Day, jointly organized and supported by Azerbaijan's Embassy in France, the Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, and the Military Attaché Office of the Armed Forces in France, Report informs.

High-ranking French state and government officials, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany, members of parliament, representatives of socio-political circles and the diplomatic corps, company executives, as well as our compatriots living in France, participated in the event.

The reception began with the playing of the national anthems of Azerbaijan and France. Afterwards, Azerbaijan's Ambassador to France, Leyla Abdullayeva, Permanent Representative to UNESCO Elman Abdullayev, and Military Attaché of the Armed Forces Javid Abdullayev delivered speeches.

In the speeches, it was emphasized that the celebration of Independence Day in Paris carries special significance. It was noted that the first secular, parliamentary, independent democratic republic in the Muslim East and the Turkic world was established precisely in Azerbaijan.

The glorious and complex path traversed by the Azerbaijan People's Republic was discussed, and attention was drawn to the fact that it adopted progressive laws, granted women the right to vote, and shaped a strong national statehood consciousness. It was emphasized that although Azerbaijan, which regained its independence in the early 1990s, faced great difficulties, it embarked on a path of stability and development as a result of the salvific mission and tireless efforts of National Leader Heydar Aliyev.

Under the leadership of Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, the restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity by our valiant Army in 2020 was discussed, as well as the policies pursued by our country in promoting sustainable peace, regional cooperation and connectivity, and ensuring Europe's energy security.

Information was provided about the history of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Armed Forces, their path of development, their crucial role in ensuring our country's independence, territorial integrity, and national security, as well as the victories achieved. It was noted that the Armed Forces in Azerbaijan were first formed at the beginning of the last century.

It was emphasized that Azerbaijan possesses one of the most powerful armies in the region. The victory achieved by our army in the Patriotic War, the restoration of our territorial integrity, and the enforcement of international law are clear examples of this strength.