On the occasion of 28 May-Independence Day, an official reception was held in China (2024)
Official Reception Held in China on the Occasion of 28 May – Independence Day (2024)
An official reception was held on 28 May 2024 at the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the People’s Republic of China to mark the country’s Independence Day. The event was attended by Chinese officials, heads of foreign diplomatic missions accredited to Beijing, representatives of the Chinese public, and Azerbaijani compatriots residing in China.
In his remarks, Ambassador Bunyad Huseynov noted that independent Azerbaijan is the successor to the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic-the first democratic state in the Muslim East, established on May 28, 1918. In its early years of independence, Azerbaijan faced severe challenges, including aggressive separatism, terrorism, and military aggression by neighboring Armenia. Thanks to the far-sighted policies of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, who returned to power at the urging of the Azerbaijani people, the country overcame this difficult period and embarked on a path of sustained development. Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev-worthy successor to the National Leader’s political legacy-Azerbaijan today achieves remarkable victories as the Azerbaijani people write glorious new chapters in their history. Having fully restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty, Azerbaijan has emerged as the fastest-growing, most politically stable, and economically most advanced nation in the South Caucasus. Strategically located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Azerbaijan has historically served as a bridge for trade and cultural exchange, leveraging its favorable geographic position. Through the joint efforts of President Ilham Aliyev and President Xi Jinping, Azerbaijan-China relations are flourishing in a dynamic, comprehensive manner. The transport corridors traversing Azerbaijan, supported by modern infrastructure, form the shortest and most efficient routes for cargo between China and Europe-while making a significant contribution to the Belt and Road Initiative.
Li Hui, Special Representative of the Government of the People’s Republic of China for Eurasian Affairs, emphasized that President Ilham Aliyev’s landslide re-election in the February 2024 polls fully demonstrates the deep trust and strong support he enjoys among the Azerbaijani people. As a sincere friend, China has consistently supported Azerbaijan in pursuing a development path tailored to its national conditions. He expressed confidence that, under President Ilham Aliyev’s strong leadership and through the joint efforts of the entire Azerbaijani nation, the country will attain new and greater achievements in state-building. Guided by the strategic visions of President Xi Jinping and President Ilham Aliyev, China-Azerbaijan friendship and cooperation are progressing steadily. Both sides maintain a high level of political trust and continue to advance cooperation in trade, economy, energy, and transportation. China regards co-building the Belt and Road Initiative with Azerbaijan as an important opportunity and fully supports Azerbaijan’s successful hosting of the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).