Azerbaijan embassy celebrates National Day

The Azerbaijan National Day reception and the 100th anniversary of Azerbaijani Diplomatic Service were held by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Beijing on Tuesday. Government officials and military officers from countries including Nepal, Brazil and Mexico attended the event.

The event began with the national anthems of Azerbaijan and China. 

The deputy foreign minister of Azerbaijan, Ramiz Ayvaz oglu Hasanov, delivered a welcome speech. He said that one of the great achievements made in the Versailles Peace Conference was the proclamation of Azerbaijan's independence. Azerbaijan then established its foreign policy office under such a complex environment in 1919. 

He noted that Azerbaijan has always attached special importance to its relations with China. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in China in April. A Chinese delegation led by State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Azerbaijan last week. The Azerbaijan deputy foreign minister said he believes the bilateral relations will be enhanced through these visits and cooperation efforts. 

Zhang Hanhui, deputy foreign minister of China, gave his congratulations to the achievements made in Azerbaijan. "As a good friend and good partner of Azerbaijan, China rejoices at Azerbaijan's achievements," he said.

"China-Azerbaijan relations have maintained sound growth momentum since the establishment of diplomatic ties 27 years ago," Zhang said. He then recounted recent communication between leaders of the two countries and said that "[the] two countries will have even closer relations, stronger mutual political trust and new impetus to practical cooperation."

Azerbaijani performers presented singing and dancing to celebrate the event.