Reception organized in Paris on the occasion of Azerbaijan's Independence Day - PHOTO

The Azerbaijani Embassy in France, the Permanent Representation to UNESCO and the Office of the Military Attaché of the Armed Forces jointly organized a large-scale reception in Paris on the occasion of the Independence Day and the Day of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan.

As Report reports, high-ranking state and government officials of France, UNESCO Director General Khaled al-Anani, members of parliament, representatives of socio-political circles and the diplomatic corps, company executives, as well as compatriots living in France took part in the event.

The reception began with the performance of the national anthems of Azerbaijan and France. Then speeches were made by Azerbaijani Ambassador to France Leyla Abdullayeva, Permanent Representative to UNESCO Elman Abdullayev and Military Attaché Javid Abdullayev.

The speakers emphasized the special significance of celebrating Independence Day in Paris. It was noted that the first secular, parliamentary, independent democratic republic in the Muslim East and the Turkic world was created precisely in Azerbaijan.

They spoke about the glorious and difficult path traveled by the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, emphasizing that it adopted progressive laws, granted women the right to vote and formed a strong national state consciousness. Although Azerbaijan, which regained independence in the early 1990s, faced great difficulties, thanks to the saving mission and tireless activities of the national leader Heydar Aliyev, the country embarked on the path of stability and development, the speakers pointed out.

It was also noted the restoration of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan in 2020 under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, as well as the policy pursued by the country in the direction of promoting sustainable peace, regional cooperation and ties, as well as ensuring Europe's energy security.

Information was provided about the history of the creation, the path of development of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, their important role in ensuring the independence, territorial integrity and national security of the country, as well as the victories achieved. Azerbaijan, the speakers emphasized, has one of the most powerful armies in the region, which is proved by the victory won by the glorious Azerbaijani army in the Patriotic War.