States Ambassador Teymurov of Azerbaijan at 100th anniversary of Republic Day

Ambassador Ramzi Teymurov of Azerbaijan in Seoul and Madam Teymurova hosted a reception at the Grand Hyatt Seoul on May 21, 2018 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Republic Day of Azerbaijan.
There were many important guests attending the party. They included
Chairman Mr. Lee Myoung-su of the Korea-Azerbaijan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group, Ambassador Moon Duk-ho for International Security Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Chungwon Choe of the World Taekwondo Federation, and Rep. Madam Park In-sook.

Ambassador Ramzi Teymurov delivers a welcome speech.

Speaking to the guests, Ambassador Teymurov said in part, “We are celebrating the 95th Anniversary of the birthday of our National Leader Heydar Aliyev. National Leader Heydar Aliyev is an architect of modern Azerbaijan who devoted his entire life for independent and strong Azerbaijan Republic and who saved Azerbaijan of hard and strict tests of history and laid a reliable foundation for its bright future.” Excerpts from his speech follow:

Ambassador Ramzi Teymurov of Azerbaijani (third from left) poses with (from left) President Choue Chung-won of the World Taekwondo Federation, Korean Ambassador Moon Duk-ho for International Security Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, (Ambassador Teymurov), and Chairman Lee Myoung-su of the Korea-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Friendship Association on May 21.

On behalf of the Embassy of Azerbaijan, I would like to thank all of you for joining us in this very remarkable day while we are celebrating 100th Anniversary of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.” Then he said, “It is my great honor and privilege to represent Azerbaijan in Korea and host official reception dedicated to the centenary anniversary of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.” Excerpts from the speech follow:
The year of 2018 is indeed very remarkable year for Azerbaijani people throughout the world, since this year along with 100th Anniversary of ADR we are also celebrating the 95th Anniversary of the birthday of our National Leader Heydar Aliyev. National Leader Heydar Aliyev is an architect of modern Azerbaijan who devoted his entire life for independent and strong Azerbaijan Republic and who saved Azerbaijan of hard and strict tests of history and laid a reliable foundation for its bright future.

Ambassador Teymurov of Azerbaijan (19th from left) poses with the ambassadors of other countries.

With this meaningful conjunction I would like to quote a statement that National Leader Heydar Aliyev made regarding the importance of ADR in terms of Azerbaijan’s history. Heydar Aliyev said: “Though Azerbaijan Democratic Republic survived only 23 months in a complicated and tense socio-political situation it will always stay in the memory of future generations as one of the brightest pages of our history.”..end of quote.
As it is well summarized by National Leader Heydar Aliyev the declaration of independence of ADR on May 28, 1918 went down in the chronicles of Azerbaijani nation as a great and historic event marked as a glorious page in our history.
ADR as the first parliamentary democracy with a republican form of governance in the Muslim world was also the first model of a democratic secular state based on the rule of law all over the East, including the Turko-Muslim world.

Mrs. Konul Teymurova (spouse of the Ambassador) of Azerbaijan, 9th from left, poses with other spouses of ambassadors.

Declaration of independence adopted by the National Council of Azerbaijan on May 28 enshrined with democratic values that strongly emphasized the importance of sovereignty and independence of Azerbaijan and highly valued the establishment of democratic institutions. This document declared the people of Azerbaijan as the source of the government and assured political rights and citizenship to all its residents regardless of their nationality, faith, class and gender.
ADR was a pioneer that combined both European democratic values and the abundant cultural heritage of the East in one entity. All citizens of ADR were granted the right to vote regardless of their ethnic and religious affiliation. Thus, granting of women with the right to vote must particularly be noted, as it happened the first time in the Islamic World and even before some Western democracies.

Azerbaijan fashion show in progress at the reception.

Despite its short existence, ADR leadership managed to establish democratic institutions, issued national currency, established national bank, adopted state attributes such as the national anthem and the national flag. ADR also achieved its recognition of independence and sovereignty by the international community, hence Paris Peace Conference, with the Treaty of Versailles, accorded de facto recognition of the independence of ADR.
Although on April 28, 1920, the red army invaded Azerbaijan, the idea of a free Azerbaijan never wavered. In its short period of existence the ADR returned national consciousness to the Azerbaijani people, and following the collapse of Soviet Union Azerbaijan regained its independence on October 18, 1991.
Similar to ADR, modern Azerbaijan`s independence did not come easily as well. Azerbaijan faced with the economic and political crises, civil war, and the occupation of its territories by neighboring Armenia during the early years of independence. An undeclared war against Azerbaijan by neighboring Armenia ended with the occupation of 20% of territories of Azerbaijan. As a result of the occupation, Azerbaijan also faced with massive number of refugees and IDPs. Today, the per capita ratio of the displaced population within the Republic of Azerbaijan is one of the highest in the world.
In this difficult and desperate situation, the Azerbaijani people appealed Heydar Aliyev to take power by making the right choice and showing wisdom. Thanks to Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan managed to get out of that difficult situation and embark on a path of sustainable development. Founded by National Leader Heydar Aliyev the development strategy of Azerbaijan is successfully continued by the President Ilham Aliyev.
Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev Azerbaijan made dramatic socio-economical achievements in all fields that observed with successful implementation of mega energy and transportation projects. Today Azerbaijan is gradually reaching economic diversification and modernization by increasing its tourism, agriculture, transport and logistics potential to ensure the country’s sustainable development.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Azerbaijan is enjoying friendly relations with almost all countries of the world, including the Republic of Korea. We are committed to enhance and develop our bilateral relations with all our partner nations.
Azerbaijan highly appreciates its relations with the Republic of Korea. We managed to build strong relations between our two countries. Today bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Korea are in a high level and we work closely and support each other in the framework of International Organizations.
I strongly believe that the future of my country is bright and promising with its rich historical statehood policy that encouraged by brave spirit of Azerbaijani nation, resolute and perspicacious leadership who has clear agenda of making Azerbaijan highly developed country.
Dear guests,
On this wonderful day, I once more sincerely thank you for your attendance.

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