An official reception was held in Vienna on the occasion of Independence Day and the Day of the Armed Forces.
An official reception was held at the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Austria on the occasion of May 28 – Independence Day and June 26 – the Day of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Austria, Rovshan Sadigbayli, reflected on the difficult and honorable path of the first democratic republic in the Muslim East — the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, established 107 years ago. He noted that despite its short lifespan, the Republic left a deep mark not only on the history of Azerbaijan but also on the region. It was emphasized that the reforms, state-building efforts, and legal framework developed during its 23-month existence were revolutionary for their time.
It was highlighted that the Parliament of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was a pioneering example in the Muslim East. Although it operated for only 17 months, it adopted approximately 230 important laws and resolutions in accordance with the principles set out in the Declaration of Independence. The main goals of these legislative acts were the establishment of state institutions, the protection of independence and territorial integrity, the guarantee of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the creation of a democratic, secular state based on the rule of law and an effective judicial system. One particularly important law granted all citizens — regardless of their ethnic or religious background — the right to vote. This included granting women suffrage, making Azerbaijan one of the first countries in the world and the first Muslim nation to recognize women’s political rights on an equal basis with men.
Key milestones in state-building included the declaration of the Azerbaijani language as the official state language, the adoption of the tricolor flag, the development of modern theater and opera, and the issuance of a national currency. After restoring its independence in 1991, Azerbaijan continues to be guided by the ideals and values of the Democratic Republic 34 years later, as these principles remain fundamental to the country’s journey as an independent state.
Quoting National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the Ambassador emphasized that preserving, strengthening, and further consolidating state independence has been a central objective ever since. Today, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, state independence remains at the core of domestic and foreign policy, which is grounded in national interests. Azerbaijan earns great respect in the international arena for its independent policy, and the alignment of words with actions further strengthens the country’s reputation.
It was noted that in honor of the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution and the 5th anniversary of the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, 2024 has been declared the “Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty” in Azerbaijan.
The Ambassador also highlighted Azerbaijan’s initiatives in energy, transportation, information and communication technologies, and other projects, which serve not only individual countries but entire regions and continents, contributing to the prosperity of peoples and economies.
Today, Azerbaijan has become a guarantor of security both in the region and beyond. The country is a firm supporter of multilateral cooperation and an international order based on the principles of international law, including unconditional respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.
It was also mentioned that the reception celebrated Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces Day. The Azerbaijani Armed Forces are now among the strongest in the region and played a decisive role in the restoration of the country’s territorial integrity and unity. Following decades of conflict in the South Caucasus, there is now a historic opportunity to transform the region into one of peace, security, and prosperity — a goal to which Azerbaijan remains fully committed.
Gerhard Sayller, Director at the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that bilateral relations are developing, with regular mutual visits being conducted: “The strengthening of ties between companies from both countries, increased exports, and the existence of direct flights can contribute to the deepening of cooperation in various fields. Furthermore, Azerbaijan’s role in realizing the region’s potential is growing.”
A musical program featuring works by Azerbaijani and European composers was performed by a quartet led by Azerbaijani musician Farid Feyzullayev, who resides in Austria.