Solemn ceremony dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the restoration of Azerbaijan`s state independence in Vatican
Solemn ceremony dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the restoration of Azerbaijan`s state independence was held in Vatican at the initiative of Heydar Aliyev Foundation and due to support of Azerbaijan’s Embassy to Vatican, November 29.
First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva attended the ceremony.
Mehriban Aliyeva delivered a speech in the ceremony.
Speech by Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva:
Your Eminence Cardinal Ravasi, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen!
I cordially greet you all in this evening dedicated to Azerbaijan. I express my deep gratitude to Cardinal Ravasi for warm words he said about our country, for being with us this evening and for the cooperation. This event has been dedicated to a landmark story in the newest history of Azerbaijan. This year we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the restoration of independence of our country. I am very glad that Vatican is one of the countries selected to mark this story in. And this shows the friendly ties between our country and the Holy See.
Having restored its independence in 1991, the Azerbaijani people finally became the owner of its own land and its own country. Over these 20 years we made many achievements despite very serious problems our country faced in the first years of independence. The Armenian-Azerbaijani, Daghlig Garabagh conflict, being lasted for over 20 years, has not been resolved yet. One-fifth of the territory of Azerbaijan is under occupation and there are one million refugees and internally displaced persons in the country. Our cultural heritage in the occupied lands has become a target for invaders. Numerous cultural and historical monuments have all been razed to the ground and shrines and cemeteries have been destroyed. Despite this, Azerbaijan stands for peaceful settlement of the conflict based on norms and principles of international law. I hope that our country's territorial integrity will be restored in the near future, and every refugee, every displaced person will be able to return their homes.
Despite all challenges, Azerbaijan has proved its place in the world map as a fast developing state. Azerbaijan accounts for 75% of economy of South Caucasus and participates and also initiates large-scale projects in the region, and social problems are addressed in a consistent manner in the country. Suffice it to say that the poverty rate has dropped from 49% to 9% over the last eight years, over 900,000 jobs have been created and over 2,000 new schools have been built and renovated.
Stable development of the country’s economy allows it to pursue truly independent policy. Today Azerbaijan is deeply involved in global processes aimed at preserving international peace and stability. Azerbaijan is seen as a strategic partner by Europe and the West.
Dear friends!
Azerbaijan played the role of a point of confluence and interaction of various religions and cultures for centuries. The Great Silk Road passed through the territory of Azerbaijan in the 2nd millennium BC. It is known that the Great Silk Road played a crucial role in merging of cultures and civilizations, dissemination of scientific and philosophical knowledge. These processes did not bypass our country either. Azerbaijan has always acted and is acting as a bridge between East and West, North and South.
During his visit to Azerbaijan in 2002, Pope John Paul II said that Azerbaijan was a door between West and East. It does not only have strategic significance, but also a symbol of openness and protection. Religious tolerance and respect for all world cultures that evolved over the centuries are the most important and beautiful features of the Azerbaijani people.
It is no accident that Azerbaijan has become very important international place to build interreligious and intercultural dialogue in recent years. Many meetings and forums have been held in Baku in recent years. As an example, I would like to mention the World Summit of Religious Leaders held in our capital in 2010, the Baku International Intercultural Forum held in April this year and the Baku International Humanitarian Forum held in October. Vatican officials also participated in and contributed to these events.
People speaking different languages, confessing different religions lived in peace and tranquility in Azerbaijan as one family regardless of sociopolitical system at all times. Multi-religious, multicultural Azerbaijan is still committed to this tradition. This is one of our greatest assets.
Dear friends!
According to historians, the first Catholic community in Azerbaijan began to emerge in the 30s of XIX century. In the late XIX - early XX centuries, the Catholic community played an important role in the socio-cultural life of our capital – Baku and in particular left an indelible trace in the field of health, culture and architecture, which is still remembered with great gratitude. The Catholic Church of St. Mary was built in the heart of Baku in 1912 on the initiative of the Catholic community and with the support of the population. Unfortunately, this church, like other religious centers, was destroyed during the years of Stalinism. But thanks to direct support of the independent Azerbaijani state, St. Mary Church was rebuilt in a modern style, and the Vatican Secretary of State attended its official opening ceremony in May 2008. There is a small community of Catholics in our country. But they enjoy all the freedoms and rights of citizens of Azerbaijan and serve their country – Azerbaijan, in a decent manner.
Dear friends!
Today, Azerbaijan is a country known worldwide not only for its oil and gas resources, but also for the rich cultural heritage. The ancient school of carpet weaving, unique mugham, historical and architectural monuments, poetry and art of Azerbaijan are the biggest assets of our nation. We have been part of various empires over the centuries. However, we were able to maintain ourselves as a nation, protecting and developing our language, religion, cultural heritage and traditions.
Only a small part of Azerbaijani culture will be presented to your attention this evening. I hope the patterns you see, the music you listen to, the panorama which you will admire will touch your hearts, and this evening we share together will bring our countries and people even closer.
In the end, I once again express my deep thanks to you for being with us this evening. I wish you happiness and peace. Thank you so much for your attention.