MINSK, 19 October (BelTA) - Cooperation between Belarus and Azerbaijan is developing dynamically and progressively, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus Aleksandr Guryanov said as he attended the event to mark Azerbaijan's Restoration of Independence Day on 18 October, BelTA has learned.
He extended greetings to the Azerbaijani people on this important day for them. “I know that today marks the beginning of a new stage in the development of Azerbaijani statehood and is of exceptional importance to your country and people, just like 28 May, Independence Day,” Aleksandr Guryanov stressed.
The first deputy minister emphasized that today Azerbaijan is a leader in its region. According to him, Azerbaijan is demonstrating a rapid economic development pace. The country is confidently following the course chosen by its leaders and fully supported by its people.
Aleksandr Guryanov stressed the importance of restoration of peace and harmony in the region, which, in his opinion, would be a basis for further development in all the dimensions.
According to the first deputy minister, Belarus and Azerbaijan are actively developing comprehensive cooperation. This year Belarusian president Aleksandr Lukashenko paid a visit to Baku, which was an important milestone in the bilateral relations. Aleksandr Guryanov also spoke about the importance of further mutual support in the international arena.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Belarus Ulvi Bakhshaliyev spoke about the history of the holiday. Azerbaijan parliament adopted the Constitutional Act on State Independence 30 years ago, on 18 October 1991. The history of independence of the country is first of all connected with the personality of its leader Heydar Aliyev. A new course of development was determined with his return to power in 1993.
“Today, his efforts to preserve and strengthen independence are continued by his successor, President Ilham Aliyev,” the ambassador said.
In his words, Azerbaijan has established diplomatic relations with more than 150 UN member states. “The brotherly Belarus holds a special place among them. The two countries have been developing ties throughout 28 years of diplomatic relations. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko pay great attention to the development of relations between the two states. In political terms, consultations are held regularly both at the highest level and at the level of the ministries of foreign affairs. We actively cooperate and support each other in international organizations and will continue to do so,” the ambassador said.
Ambassador Ulvi Bakhshaliyev pointed out that the day also marks the 15th anniversary of Ilham Aliyev's first official visit to Belarus.
Speaking about the development of cultural cooperation, the diplomat said that 2021 is the year of the Azerbaijani poet and thinker Nizami Ganjavi. A number of events dedicated to this event are planned to be held in Belarus.
He also emphasized the role of Azerbaijanis who, among other nations, fought for the liberation of Belarus during the Great Patriotic War. Fourteen of them were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union and their memory is immortalized in various parts of Belarus with monuments and obelisks.
