1.JPG
September 12, 2018

100th anniversary of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan is celebrated in Warsaw with support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation

An event dedicated to the 100th anniversary of establishment of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan took place, September 12, in Warsaw, the capital of Poland, with organizational support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Azerbaijani Embassy in Poland.

 

First, guests became familiarized with an exhibition called “Direction - Azerbaijan”, dedicated to Azerbaijan, before the building of the Mazovetski office of Voivodship. To run for a month, the exhibition’s objective is to popularize Azerbaijan’s tourism potential in Poland, raising the Polish community’s awareness of our country.

 

Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Anar Alakbarov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Poland Hasan Hasanov and Governor of the Mazovetski Voivodship Zdislav Sipiera became familiarized with the exhibition.

 

Then, the delegation from Azerbaijan visited the monument “In memory of the struggle for independent Azerbaijan and Poland”, erected in Yuzef Polinski Park in Warsaw, and laid wreathes before the monument. It was informed that this monument was erected in honour of general Matsey Sulkevich of Polish descent, who had been the head of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan National Army (1918-1920), and Veli bey Yadigar of Azerbaijani descent, who had been a colonel of the Polish Republic Army and the National Army, which is the symbol of friendship and brotherhood between the Azerbaijani and Polish peoples.

 

On the same day, an official reception took place in the King’s Palace in Warsaw, to celebrate the 100th jubilee of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan. The deputy foreign minister and employees of other ministries, vice-presidents of the Seim and Senate, deputies, representatives of Mazovetsky province and Poland’s regions, ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Warsaw, representatives of Poland’s public and political life, secondary and higher schools, and our fellow citizens residing in this country participated at the event, organized with support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijan’s Embassy in Poland.

 

Opening the event, Ambassador Hasan Hasanov welcomed the participants on behalf of First Vice-president of the Republic of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva.

 

It was noted that, formed based on the principles of mutual respect and fruitful cooperation in the political, economic and cultural fields, the relations between Azerbaijan and Poland are on a high level. Sincere business and friendly relations between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Polish President Andrzej Duda have been built on mutual trust.

 

The ambassador emphasized the role of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, named after the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, which greatly contributes to bilateral cooperation between our countries, successfully promotes the culture and history of Azerbaijan worldwide, implementing a number of humanitarian projects both in Azerbaijan and abroad. It was underscored that President of the Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva was awarded the titles of goodwill ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO for her fruitful activity.

 

Implementation of a series of events serving the advancement of friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Poland, following the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, was mentioned. Enjoying a cooperation of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Polish Embassy in Azerbaijan, a school designed for 200 pupils was constructed in Azerbaijan, a concert by Polish pianist Stanislav Dea organized, and a visit by children with Down syndrome to Krakovcity was arranged. In 2009, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva was awarded the order of “Great Commander” for her services in the advancement of the friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Poland. In 2010, the ambassador of Poland to Azerbaijan was, following the resolution of the Azerbaijani President, decorated with the order of “Friendship” for his contribution to strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries.

 

Talking about the history of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan, Ambassador Hasan Hasanov noted that the first republic in Azerbaijan could live 23 months only, however, for a short time period, it implemented serious state-building actions and built diplomatic ties with leading world countries. Having regained its state independence, our republic has been recognized in the world as a developed democratic state pursuing successful foreign and domestic policies. International energy and transport projects implemented by Azerbaijan made our country be recognized as a reliable partner. The Strategic Partnership Agreement to be signed between Azerbaijan and the European Union would advance the multilateral cooperation, enjoying equal rights.

 

Touching upon the Armenia –Azerbaijan, Daghlyg Garabagh conflict, the Azerbaijani ambassador noted that 20 percent of our territory was occupied as a result of the aggression by Armenia against Azerbaijan, making over 1 million Azerbaijanis leave their homes. Armenia, having ignored political solution of the conflict, jeopardises the security of Europe, and the region. He thanked the Polish government for the support provided in solution of the conflict respecting Azerbaijan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and following the principle of inviolability of internationally recognized borders.

 

Mentioning that the first diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Poland took place back in 1472, the ambassador noted that a number of Azerbaijani and Polish citizens have made contribution to strengthening and advancement of political, scientific and cultural relations between our countries. Following the Azerbaijani side’s initiative, memories of these persons were immortalized by 20 monuments and memorial boards in various cities of Poland.

 

It was also mentioned that this year, both Azerbaijan and Poland are celebrating the 100th anniversary of their republic. Polish and Azerbaijani people have fought for the freedom and independence of each other’s country. The brightest example of this struggle is major-general Matsey Sulkevich of Polish descent, who had been the head of general staff in the Azerbaijan National Army, and Veli bey Yadigar, an Azerbaijani, who had been a colonel of both Polish Army and the Armia Krayova. The government of Azerbaijan has immortalized the struggle of these two prominent personalities for the independence of our countries, having erected their statues in the Polinski Park in Warsaw.

 

Speaking at the ceremony, deputy Polish foreign minister Bartosh Chikhotski touched upon the binding aspects of the Polish-Azerbaijani relations, mentioning that a hundred years before, Polish people have participated in the establishment of the Azerbaijani state. Polish traces can be seen in the Azerbaijani Army, oil industry, contemporary town-building, as well as in the Azerbaijani culture. The deputy minister said that today too, his country wishes to be a part of Azerbaijan’s development, and supports the actions taken towards peaceful solution of the Daghlyg Garabagh conflict based on international legal principles.

 

Talking with satisfaction about the close political atmosphere and friendly relations, B.Chikhotski emphasized high-level mutual visits, saying these close relations will continue further.

 

In the artistic part of the event, a jazz group led by renowned pianist Elchin Shirinov performed with a concert programme. Folk and composer songs, as well as works composed by Elchin Shirinov and Shahryar Imanov were presented in jazz improvisations. Azerbaijan’s folk song “Sary Gelin” performed by Polish singer Malvina Kushior was shown much interest, and applauded.

 

At an exhibition prepared by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in the foyer of the King’s Palace, photos and documents about the history of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan, video and audio materials, as well as booklets prepared by the embassy were presented, at the same time, a documentary dedicated to the history of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan was shown. 


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