A ceremony held in Moscow on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of restoration of state independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Solemn ceremony ‘Azerbaijan Evening’ was held in Moscow on the 20th anniversary of the restoration of Azerbaijan’s independence, 17 May. Organized in the State Kremlin Palace by the Azerbaijan Embassy to Russia at the initiative of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the event was attended by Mehriban Aliyeva, Azerbaijan’s First Lady, President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Svetlana Medvedeva, the First Lady of Russia.
First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva addressed the ceremony.
Speech by Mehriban Aliyeva:
- Dear Mrs Svetlana Medvedeva!
Dear guests, ladies and gentlemen!
First, let me welcome you at the evening of Azerbaijan and express my gratitude for being with us. I would like to thank First Lady of the Russian Federation Mrs Svetlana Medvedeva for participation in the evening. Taking the advantage of this tribune, I would like to voice a deep gratitude to all those who voted for the Azerbaijani duet at the Eurovision Song Contest. Nowadays, we all in Azerbaijan experience feelings that are too deep for words. This is a feeling of pride of this victory, our youth and our country. I am sure Russian people have experienced similar feelings a few years ago, when Russia won the same glorious victory in this contest. Many thanks to Russia for the first 12 points.
Dear friends, the history of Azerbaijani statehood has very ancient roots.
The first states on the western coast of Caspian emerged at the intersection of I and II millenniums B.C. Along all its history, Azerbaijan was a bridge between West and East, North and South.
People speaking different languages and professing different faiths lived in peace and harmony since ancient times in the states, which were located in the territory of modern Azerbaijan. The historic fusion of cultures and civilizations has led to the formation of a deep tradition of tolerance and openness in Azerbaijan. The first democratic parliamentary republic in the Muslim East that was proclaimed in Azerbaijan on May 28 in 1918 has left its trace in the history. This period and these events, as well as the first oil boom started in the late 19th century led to appearance of qualitative changes, very progressive for that era, in the Azerbaijani society.
For instance, women gained the right of the electoral vote. The first secular school for girls was established in Azerbaijan, political parties were created and the first multi-party and multi-ethnic parliament was formed based on free elections. First opera and ballet in the Muslim world were created in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan has completely eradicated illiteracy, created a network of educational and cultural institutions, fully formed high school and established the National Academy of Sciences. We are justifiably proud of the achievements in economy, as well as in education and culture, which our country has reached in the years of Soviet history. Achievements in the oil industry were particularly impressive. The existence of terms such as Second Baku, Third Baku in the former USSR is testimony to the prestigious school, which was established in our country.
Besides, a broad network was set up in education system, higher education institutions emerged.
Azerbaijan, which supplied 90 percent of the required fuel during the WWII, has also made a unique contribution to the victory over fascism.
A Russian-speaking cultural educational environment was formed in our country those years. We appreciate this phenomenon, the familiarization with the Russian culture. Today, our country still keeps education process in the Russian language in the secondary and higher education institutions. The Russian Drama Theatre, Russian Cultural Centre, Slavic University and the Baku branch of the M.V.Lomonosov Moscow State University operate in the country. A joint Russian-Azerbaijani humanitarian forum was organized in the country in January 2010. An international humanitarian forum is expected to be organized together with Russia in Baku in October 2011. I am sure that this event will be another proof of our good-neighborly friendly relations.
Cultural diversity, and respect for different world cultures is traditional for the Azerbaijani people. Today, studying and preserving the rich Russian culture, we are getting more enriched spiritually.
Dear friends!
Azerbaijan, possessing an ancient history and rich culture, has been existing on the world map as an independent country only for 20 years. Twenty years is a long period from the standpoint of human life, but it is a moment for the history. We have made great achievements during this short period of time. The pace of Azerbaijan’s economic development is officially recognized as a record. Some 75 percent of the total economy of South Caucasus countries is accounted for Azerbaijan. The country has successfully implemented large-scale projects in oil, gas, transport and logistics. Policy pursued in Azerbaijan has a pronounced social character. Since 2003, over 2,000 schools have been constructed, 900,000 new jobs opened in Azerbaijan. The poverty ratio was reduced from 49 to 9 percent. The country constructs new health centers and hospitals, restores theaters, museums and parks and builds sport and the Olympic complexes. Tourism successfully develops in the country. Suffice it to say that it is expected to open six five-star hotels in Baku in 2011.
Of course, the country has problems alongside the achievements. The biggest problem is the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Daghlig Garabagh conflict, which has not still found its resolution. Twenty percent of our territory is under occupation as a result of the military aggression and the country has one million refugees and IDPs.
Azerbaijan hopes that the conflict will soon be solved in the framework of the international law, territorial integrity of our country will be restored and all refugees and IDPs will return to their native lands.
There was a time when Azerbaijan was recognized as a country where the first oil fountain rammed. Today, our rich cultural heritage is the country’s hallmark. This is a unique and ancient school of carpet weaving, miniature art, rich poetry and literature, Azerbaijani music and dancing, Azerbaijani mugham, fine art, historical and architectural monuments and more. Today, we have tried to create a piece of this atmosphere here in Moscow, the capital of the Russian Federation. We very much hope that you will enjoy this evening and have a desire to visit the ancient Land of Fires, to visit Azerbaijan. I would like to say that we, Azerbaijanis, are always glad to see you. Welcome to Azerbaijan!
I would like to wish the Russian Federation, the Russian people peace and prosperity. I would like to wish you all, your relatives and natives health, happiness and lots of love. God bless Russia and Azerbaijan. Thank you.