No country, even the greatest one, can develop its economy at proper level all by itself.
Heydar Aliyev
Solemn ceremony in Rome, devoted to the 20th anniversary of restoration of Azerbaijan`s state independence
A ceremony devoted to the 20th anniversary of restoration of Azerbaijan`s state independence was held in Rome following the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and with support from our country’s Embassy in Italy, December 20.
The ceremony was attended by First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva, Vice-president of the Foundation Leyla Aliyeva, State secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy Marta Dassu, public and political persons, representatives of art and representatives of various countries. Diplomatic corps.
First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva made a speech in the ceremony.
Speech by Mehriban Aliyeva
- Dear Mrs. Dassu.
Ladies and gentlemen.
Dear guests and friends!
I sincerely greet you all in this evening dedicated to Azerbaijan. I express my deep thanks to you for accepting our invitation and being with us this evening. Our meeting has been dedicated to very eminent story in the history of Azerbaijan. This year, Azerbaijan celebrates the 20th anniversary of the restoration of its independence. As an independent country we are too young, however, Azerbaijan has an ancient history and culture.
Located on the coast of Caspian Sea, our country has always been a bridge between West and East. Great Silk Road crossed the territory of Azerbaijan in the 2nd century B.C. A lot of ancient cultures have left vestiges in Azerbaijan situated at the junction of cultures and civilizations. And today we can see these vestiges. The Roman history has signs on the rocks in Gobustan near Baku. These rocks inform that Roman Emperor Germanicus’ legion was here in the 1st century A.D. people belonging to different languages and religions have for centuries lived in mutual respect and peace in our country. Religious tolerance, publicity, tolerance is one of the nicest features of Azerbaijanis today, too.
The People’s Republic of Azerbaijan established in 1918 was the first democratic republic in the East. The democratic institutions were formed in our country. A multiparty parliament was functioning in the country, Azerbaijani women were entitled to franchise, the first secular school was opened for Muslim girls, the first opera and ballet in the East was composed.
Unfortunately, the People’s Republic existed 23 months only and our independence became the victim of political interests of the big empire. The increasing interest in Baku oil was one of the significant factors. As a result, our country lost the independence and the soviet power was created in Azerbaijan through military intervention.
Despite all difficulties of the soviet time, political potential of our country was formed, illiteracy was completely annulled, education network was created, the National Academy of Sciences was set up. However, the ideas of statehood, independence and democracy established in 1918 were not forgotten. Lastly in 1991 our country restored its independence and the people of Azerbaijan became the owner of its fate and land.
We faced a lot of problems and lacks in the first years of independence. The Armenia-Azerbaijan, Daghlig Garabagh conflict that has been lasting for more than 20 years has not been resolved yet. Today, our country has over a million refugees and IDPs, twenty percent of our territory is under occupation. Azerbaijan wants the conflict to be solved peacefully on the basis of international law and principles. We hope the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan will soon be restored. The world community recognizes Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, and every IDP and every refugee will return to its native land.
Dear friends, we have made huge achievements during these 20 years. Azerbaijan is one of the fast rapidly developing states worldwide. All large projects underway in the region are realized with participation of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan`s economy makes up 80% of the total economy of South Caucasus. Social problems are solved in our country. In the past 8 years, poverty dropped from 49% to 9%, more than 900.000 new workplaces opened, over 2000 new schools built.
The priorities in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy are integration into Europe and EuroAtlantic institutions, expanding cooperation with EU and build relations with all foreign states on the basis of mutual interests and friendship. Our country takes active part in global processes aiming to protect the international peace and stability. EU recognizes Azerbaijan as a strategic partner in the field of energy security. Azerbaijan is ready to contribute to Europe’s oil and gas supply.
This October, Azerbaijan was elected a temporary member of the UN Security Council with the support of 155 states. This shows the yearly growing influence of our country in the international arena.
Relations with Italy have a special place in our policy for cooperation with foreign states. Italy is the biggest commercial partner of Azerbaijan. Huge Italian companies successfully operate in Azerbaijan, in particular in oil sector. Our cooperation in non-oil sector is developing, parliamentary friendship groups function, the intergovernmental commission has been working since 2006. Tens of Azerbaijani students get education in Italian higher schools and universities.
Our cultural cooperation is enhancing. The Azerbaijani Culture Days will be held in Rome. And Days of Italian Culture will be held in our country next fall.
Dear friends, I have huge honor to represent my country in Italy, one of the most ancient and rich centers of culture and civilization in the world. The cultural heritage of this ancient land is the wealth of the whole universe. This cultural heritage is an eternal monument of the humankind, humane capacities, beauty and universal values. We – Azerbaijanis are also proud of our cultural heritage. Azerbaijan’s ancient carpet-weaving school, literature, music, art, architectural monuments are the greatest riches of our nation.
This evening, we will present a small part of our culture to you and I hope interest and respect in your heart for our country will increase. I hope this evening we share will make our states and nations closer and connected. Taking the opportunity, I invite you all to Azerbaijan. I wish happiness, health and love to all you.
Thank you so much for the attention.