A dinner-party in connection with the 100th anniversary of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan in Rome

On September 25, an official dinner-party was hosted in Rome on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of establishing the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan.

First Vice-president of the Republic of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva attended the official dinner-party.

Mehriban Aliyeva addressed the event.

Greeting the guests, Mehriban Aliyeva had a look at the history of establishing the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan. It was brought to attention that in that period, very significant steps were taken for the country: democratic institutions started to form in Azerbaijan, multinational and multiparty parliament was formed as a result of free elections, a number of significant for our country laws were adopted, and our national army was formed. Saying, “In our country, we have been showing great respect for the memory of the founders of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan. The 100th jubilee of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan is widely celebrated in Azerbaijan, and in partner-countries.” – Mehriban Aliyeva expressed satisfaction with the holding of such an event in Rome, the capital of a friendly to Azerbaijan country.

Saying that Azerbaijan is a country with rich, ancient history and culture, located between the East and the West – on the ancient Silk Way, Mehriban Aliyeva emphasized that for centuries, representatives of different civilizations, cultures, religions and nationalities have lived here in a peaceful environment, showing mutual respect for each other. Saying “We are proud that these traditions have been preserved to date. Saying, in Azerbaijan, multiculturalism, tolerance and mutual respect have become already a lifestyle”, Mehriban Aliyeva emphasized that the fact that Azerbaijan is known as one of the hubs of multiculturalism in the world was not a coincidence, and that Azerbaijan has hosted a number of international events dedicated to building an international dialogue, and that such events enjoyed the support of such reputable international organizations as the UN, UNESCO, and ISESCO.

Talking about achievements reached in our country in the years of independence, she touched upon accomplishments in various spheres. It was noted that Azerbaijan’s influence in the international arena had increased, our country was elected a non-permanent member to the UN Security Council in 2011. Azerbaijan was a member of both the European Council and the Islamic Cooperation Organization, a meeting of culture ministers of the countries – members of the European Council and the Islamic Cooperation Organization was hosted in Baku in 2008, and this initiative was named the Baku Process. It was underscored that the Baku Process serves building an efficient dialogue between peoples and nationalities.

Talking about the Azerbaijan-Italy relations, she noted that our relations have developed based on strategic partnership, and successful cooperation was built both in political and economic spheres. Saying that there was a very healthy investment environment in Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva invited Italian businesspersons to Azerbaijan.

Touching upon the relations in the humanitarian sphere, she valued the increase in the number of students coming from Azerbaijan to study in Italy as a good sign. Holding of mutual cultural days both in Azerbaijan and in Italy, organization of various exhibitions, concerts and meetings were mentioned. Saying “I want to note that the statue erected to great Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi in the famous “Villa Borghese” Park has been welcomed by the people of Azerbaijan with great respect, and is highly appreciated”, - Mehriban Aliyeva expressed confidence the cooperation in this sphere would be strengthened.

Mehriban Aliyeva noted that the Azerbaijani pavilion at the Milan Expo was one of the most visited pavilions, and our country has put forward Baku’s candidacy to host the Expo-2025 World Exhibition. Saying, “We have a great deal of expertise in this field. A number of large international events were hosted in Baku and, I am hopeful, if our candidacy wins, we are going to organize a very nice international event”, Mehriban Aliyeva underscored the significance of Italy’s experience in this field.