An official reception was held in Beijing on the occasion of the Republic Day and the 100th anniversary of diplomatic service of Azerbaijan

The Embassy of Azerbaijan in China organized an official reception in Beijing on May 28 - the Republic Day and the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic missions.

At the event attended by state and government officials, diplomats, compatriots living in China and representatives of local communities, the national anthems of Azerbaijan and China were sounded.

Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Ramiz Hasanov said that Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), established on May 28, 1918, is the first parliamentary country in the Muslim world.  He claimed that during the period of his 23-month existence, the People's Republic, which has achieved great success, has secured the rights of all its citizens, irrespective of their religion, has achieved great success in political, economic, army building and education, and grants women the right to elect women before many western countries.  .

The Deputy Minister noted that the ADR diplomatic service was established on July 9, 1919 and recognized the recognition of the independence of the People's Republic of Paris at the Paris Peace Conference as one of the greatest achievements of Azerbaijan in the diplomatic history.

Hasanov said that Azerbaijan, which restored its independence in 1991, faced domestic and foreign threats, and 20 per cent of its territory fell under occupation of aggressive Armenia.  Thanks to the far-sighted policy and experience of national leader Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan managed to overcome the difficult times and embark on a path of development.

Noting that establishment of cooperation based on mutual respect and trust with foreign countries is one of the main priorities of Azerbaijan's foreign policy, Hasanov pointed out the attention given by the leadership of the country to the development of relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Describing relations between the two countries as a dynamic, multifaceted serious partnership based on friendship and mutual trust, Deputy Foreign Minister said that high-level reciprocal visits contributed to the strengthening of our cooperation.  Reminding that President Ilham Aliyev's participation in the 2nd international forum "One Belt, One Road" in Beijing last month and meeting with the President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, Ramiz Hasanov noted that Azerbaijan is one of the first countries to support China’s "One Belt, One Road" initiative,  and expressed his readiness to provide all kinds of support for the process.  One of the documents signed during the state visit of Azerbaijani President Mr. Ilham Aliyev to China in 2015 was a Memorandum of Understanding on joint promotion of the Silk Road Economic Belt.

It was noted that active political dialogue existing between the heads of states leads to the development of our relations in other spheres, including economic, transport and logistics, energy, agriculture and tourism.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Mr. Zhang Hanhui congratulated the friendly people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the remarkable event and conveyed best wishes on behalf of the Government.

The Deputy Minister underlined that Azerbaijan has achieved political stability and sustainable economic progress under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev and said that China is glad to see these achievements as a friendly and partner country. "We believe that with the leadership of Ilham Aliyev Azerbaijan has achieved great successes  will win. "

Deputy Minister Zhang Hanhui  said 27 years ago, after the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Azerbaijan, our relations were developing in accordance with the interests of our peoples.  High level of exchanges, mutual political trust and effective cooperation are becoming stronger day by day.  Last month, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's participation in the 2 nd International Forum of "One Belt, One Road" in Beijing and meeting with the Chinese President Xi Jinping opened new opportunities for the development of our bilateral relations.The Chinese official said that the mutual visits of Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva played a great role in deepening our cooperation, including visits to Beijing this month, member of the Chinese State Council, Foreign Minister Van Yi's visit to Azerbaijan.

Mr. Zhang Hanhui noted that his country will continue to work towards the implementation of agreements reached between Azerbaijan and heads of state, as well as further efforts to strengthen our traditional friendly relations and cooperation.

Then the concert program "The spirit of Azerbaijan" was presented by art masters.  Honored artists Elnur Suleymanov, Victoria Shakhmuradova, Gunel Sheykhova, Aziz Aliyev and Nigar Mirzayeva performed the national dances under the direction of honored artist Ceyhun Gubadov, the members of the Honored Collective Azerbaijan State Song and Dance Ensemble named after Fikret Amirov.

Mugam instrumental ensemble, Honored Artist Sahib Pashazade, Honored Artist Togrul Asadullayev and Nargiz Aliyeva, mugams, folk and composer songs and European music performed by Emin Jabrayilov and singer Kamila Nabiyeva.  Chinese music presented by solo performer Sahib Pashazade was met with great interest.

At the banquet the dishes of our national cuisine, including rice, dolma, kebab, national pastries, baklava and sugar, Azerbaijani wines were presented.