Azerbaijan Celebrates 108th Independence Day: Ambassador Khazar Farhadov Underscores Deepening Ties with Pakistan

ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): Azerbaijan celebrated the 108th anniversary of its independence with a prestigious reception in Islamabad, highlighting the country’s historic journey, national achievements, and ever-strengthening brotherly relations with Pakistan.
Addressing distinguished guests, diplomats, media representatives, and participants at the event, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan Khazar Farhadov said that May 28 marks the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in 1918 — the first secular republic in the Muslim East — symbolizing the nation’s resilience, sacrifice, and commitment to progress.
The Ambassador noted that despite existing for only 23 months, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic laid the foundations of democratic values and national statehood, which ultimately paved the way for the restoration of Azerbaijan’s independence in 1991.
Paying tribute to National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the Ambassador said Azerbaijan preserved and strengthened its sovereignty under his visionary leadership, while President Ilham Aliyev continues to successfully advance and enrich that legacy.
Highlighting recent historic developments, the Ambassador said that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty by liberating its internationally recognized territories from occupation in 2020 and fully re-establishing constitutional order in 2023.
The Ambassador emphasized that Azerbaijan and Pakistan enjoy exemplary brotherly relations rooted in mutual trust, solidarity, and unwavering support on all matters of mutual interest. He recalled that Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Azerbaijan’s independence on December 12, 1991, while diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on June 9, 1992.
He stated that Azerbaijan deeply values Pakistan’s steadfast support at bilateral and international forums, particularly during the occupation and liberation of Azerbaijani territories.
The Ambassador said bilateral relations between the two countries are expanding rapidly across diverse sectors including political cooperation, trade and investment, defense collaboration, tourism, education, and cultural exchange. He noted that increasing high-level engagements reflect the strong commitment of both leaderships to further strengthen the strategic partnership.
Referring to growing people-to-people, government-to-government, and business-to-business contacts, the Ambassador said direct flights operating 11 times a week between the two countries have significantly enhanced connectivity, tourism, and commercial interaction.
He also appreciated Pakistan’s “Asan Khidmat (PAK)” initiative inspired by Azerbaijan’s ASAN service model, terming it a symbol of cooperation and exchange of best practices between the two nations.
The Ambassador highlighted that beautification works in Islamabad inspired by the Baku model and carried out by the Baku Beautification Team stand as a visible reflection of the friendship between Azerbaijan and Pakistan. He said these initiatives open new avenues for cooperation in urban planning, municipal development, and architectural innovation.
He further informed the audience that Azerbaijan is currently undertaking large-scale reconstruction and smart urban development projects in Karabakh and East Zangazur regions to facilitate the return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral lands.
The Ambassador announced that 2026 has been declared the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in Azerbaijan, reflecting the country’s strong commitment to sustainable urban development and smart cities. In this regard, he shared that Azerbaijan will soon host the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).
Concluding his address, the Ambassador noted that Azerbaijan has successfully chaired several major international platforms including the United Nations Security Council, Non-Aligned Movement, Organization of Turkic States, COP29 and Economic Cooperation Organization, reflecting its growing role on the global stage.