Azerbaijan celebrates 107th independence anniversary in Seoul
Ambassador Ramin Hasanov highlights democratic legacy and growing ties with S. Korea
A reception celebrating the 107th anniversary of the Republic of Azerbaijan’s independence was held on May 20 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul. The event brought together Ambassador Ramin Hasanov of Azerbaijan to Korea, Kweon Ki-hwan, Deputy Minister for Multilateral and Global Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, and civil society representatives to reaffirm the strong ties between the two nations.
In his commemorative speech, Ambassador Hasanov highlighted the historical significance of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, established in 1918 as the first democratic state in the Muslim world. “It was a nation ahead of its time, granting women the right to vote and embracing progressive values,” he emphasized.
He continued, “Since regaining independence in 1991, Azerbaijan has achieved political stability and remarkable economic progress, becoming a trusted partner in the region.”
Ambassador Hasanov also addressed the resolution of the conflict with Armenia and the restoration of Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity. “This achievement was realized under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev and based on the legitimacy of implementing United Nations resolutions,” he noted. Furthermore, he stressed Azerbaijan’s growing global role by highlighting the country’s successful hosting of the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) last year. “We are now playing a central role in global climate action,” he said.
On Korea-Azerbaijan relations, the ambassador remarked, “Korea is a key partner, having sent a high-level delegation to COP29 and co-signed climate-related documents. Our cultural exchanges and mutual respect continue to deepen.”
The reception also featured works by young Azerbaijani artists visiting Korea, adding a cultural and emotional touch to the evening.
Deputy Minister Kweon Ki-hwan, in his congratulatory remarks, described Azerbaijan as “a vibrant country known as the 'Land of Fire' with a warm and dynamic spirit.” He added, “Korea and Azerbaijan have expanded cooperation across sectors including trade, healthcare, and culture. Both our languages belong to the Altaic family, and we share similar family-centered cultural values.”
He concluded, “High-level exchanges between our two countries continue to strengthen our cooperation. We will work together for sustainable development and shared prosperity.”