Amb. Teymurov cites at 100th Diplomatic Service Day in Seoul

By Publisher Lee Kyung-sik with Reporters Kang Su-mok, Hwang Jung-ha

Ambassador Ramzi Teymurov of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Seoul said, “Azerbaijan highly appreciates its relations with the Republic of Korea. Through the past 27 years of diplomatic relations, we managed to build strong relations between our two countries.”

Ambassador Teymurov made the statement at a reception he and Madam Teymurova hosted at the Grand Hyatt Seoul on May 22, 2019 in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Diplomatic Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Republic Day.

Then he said, “Today bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Korea are in a high level. Azerbaijan evaluates the Republic of Korea as a priority country in terms of economic and trade cooperation.”

Deputy Minister Yun Kang Hyeon of Foreign Affairs for Economic Affairs of Korea and Ambassador Ramzi Teymurov of the Republic of Azerbaijan (third and fourth from left, front row, respectively) poses with ambassadors and other guests at a reception hosted in celebration of 100th Anniversary of Diplomatic Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic Day of Azerbaijan.

Ambassador Teymurov noted that economic cooperation between the his country and Korea is especially active in the areas of infrastructure, energy, construction, transportation, information technologies, environment and alternative energy. Then he said, “Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Korea in culture, education, health, humanitarian and other spheres is enhancing very rapidly.’

The reception was attended by many important figures in the government and various other circles in Korea, including the Seoul Diplomatic Corps. From the Korean side, off-hand, Deputy Minister Yun Kang Hyeon of Foreign Affairs for Economic Affairs and leaders of various other segments of Korean society, including Director Ms. Park Ji-woo of HWPL, a welfare and international relations promoting organization of Korea. From the mass communications media community in Korea also came many publishers and editors who included Publisher-Chairman Lee Kyung-sik of The Korea Post, publishering 3 English and 2 Korean news media, e.g., www.koreapost.com (English) and www.koreapost.co.kr (Korean). Excerpts from the speech of Ambassador Teymurov follow:

Ambassador Ramzi Teymurov of Azerbaijan speaks to the guests introducing the increasing bilateral relations as well as introducing the 100th anniversary of Diplomatic Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Republic Day.

On behalf of the Embassy of the Republic 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 Diplomatic Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Republic day.

I must highlight that the years of 2018 and 2019 are significant and important for Azerbaijani people as well as for diplomatic service members, since last year we celebrated the centenary anniversary of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) and this year we are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Diplomatic Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

100 Years journey of the Azerbaijan diplomatic service which started with the establishment of the Secretariat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of ADR on July 9, 1919 continued with achievements and challenges over the years. Our ancestors who devoted their lives for the international recognition and later on for the securing the independence of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic 100 years ago, may be were not in a condition of self assurance regarding the success of their short-term mission, but however they had a strong believe and trust that whatever achievement they make that time will remain as a lighthouse for the future generation and Azerbaijan will be independent and sovereign state again in the future which is the reason why the founder of ADR Mammad Amin Rasulzade proudly stated that “ The flag once raised will never fall”

Ambassador Ramzi Teymurov of Azerbaijan and Mrs. Teymurova (left and second from left), host of the reception, pose with Publisher-Chairman Lee Kyung-sik of The Korea Post media and General Director Ms. Park Ji-woo of HWPL.

Emphasizing the achievements made by our ancestors 100 years ago I must note that the first ever democratic republic was founded in the Muslim East. Establishment of democratic institutions, army building and adoption of state attributes - the national anthem and the national flag, also, granting of women with the right to vote, which happened before some Western democracies must particularly be noted as well.

The first major breakthrough in diplomatic relations came when the parliamentary delegation of Azerbaijan went to Paris with the main goal to gain international recognition for ADR. Unanimous de-facto recognition of the independence of Azerbaijan was attained and the Azerbaijani mission received an invitation to the Supreme Council of the Paris Peace Conference.

Once recognition of Azerbaijan had been established at the level of an international peace conference, the attention of the government shifted to the expansion of diplomatic ties of the young republic. In 1919, when Azerbaijani diplomacy took its first steps, diplomatic missions of 16 states functioned in Baku and diplomatic missions and General Consulates of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic were also established mainly in neighboring countries. Azerbaijan’s participation in the system of international relations was interrupted due to the military intervention of Red Army in April 1920.

Mrs. Teymurova, spouse of the ambassador of Azerbaijan, the host, poses with the spouses of other ambassadors attending the reception.

In 1991, Azerbaijan once again gained independence following the collapse of the USSR and state building process has restarted that covered political economic and social life of Azerbaijani people as well as reestablishment of diplomatic service & foreign policy priorities for modern Azerbaijan Republic.

It is unfortunate that at the early years of independence Azerbaijan faced with the economic and political crises, civil war, and the occupation of 20% of its territories by neighboring Armenia. In this point, the most important task of our foreign policy turned to be resolution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict.

Thanks to the determination, courage and experience of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan managed to get out of that difficult situation and embark on a path of sustainable development. Today, under the leadership of H.E. Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan is a country that is highly respected in the world. Azerbaijan managed to present itself as a country of stability and multicultural society with its independent foreign policy, and as a country of significant international partner contributing to regional development and security. Within 28 years of independence Azerbaijan established mutually beneficial friendly relations with foreign countries and became the member to many well-respected international organizations. Azerbaijan became a non-permanent member of UN Security Council in 2012-2013, which was a great achievement of the successful foreign policy of Azerbaijan. This year Azerbaijan will host 18th Summit of Non-Aligned Movement which is the second largest international organization after UN. Baku is turning to be an international hub for many international humanitarian and sports events, such as World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, Formula 1 European Grand Prix, UEFA Europa League Final and etc.

Ambassador Andrey Kulik of Russia (right) poses with Publisher-Chairman Lee Kyung-sik of The Korea Post media (left) and General Director Ms. Park Ji-woo of HWPL, a large Korean cultural organization.

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.

Azerbaijan highly appreciates its relations with the Republic of Korea. Through the past 27 years of diplomatic relations, we managed to build strong relations between our two countries.

Ambassadors Rodolfo Solano Quiros of Costa Rica (left) and Virgilio Paredes Trapero of Honduras (right) pose with Vice Chairperson Cho Kyung-hee of The Korea Post media.

Today bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Korea are in a high level. Azerbaijan evaluates the Republic of Korea as a priority country in terms of economic and trade cooperation. Economic cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Korea is especially active in the areas of infrastructure, energy, construction, transportation, information technologies, environment and alternative energy. Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Korea in culture, education, health, humanitarian and other spheres is enhancing very rapidly.

I am confident that our bilateral relations will continue to strengthen and expand in the years to come for the benefit of our nations.

저작권자 © The Korea Post 무단전재 및 재배포 금지