The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan hosted an official reception on the occasion of 28 May - Republic Day in Bellevue Palace Hotel in Bern.

In his welcoming speech, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Swiss Confederation Mr. Akram Zeynalli informed the guests about the history of independence of Azerbaijan, underlining that the first democratic republic in the Muslim world was proclaimed in 1918 in Azerbaijan. The Ambassador spoke about progressive policy pursued towards establishment of a genuine democratic state, which also implied the suffrage granted to women, i.e. almost half a century prior to Switzerland. He emphasized that such a democratic mind-set was successfully inherited in the political life in the modern independence history.

Ambassador A.Zeynalli further spoke about the new stage of independent state building which started with national leader Heydar Aliyev's return to power. He informed about progressive reforms carried out in this period. The Ambassador told that Azerbaijan gained in influence and hosted many major international events thanks to the subtle policy developed by national leader Heydar Aliyev and successfully pursued by the incumbent President Mr. Ilham Aliyev. In this regard, he mentioned the 7th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations held in Baku last April, as well as the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe which will be held in Baku from 17 to 19th of June next. The Ambassador also related some basic facts on Azerbaijani-Swiss bilateral relations, pointing out to intensive dialogue established between the two countries in various areas and to high-level bilateral visits.

Swiss Federal and cantonal authorities, diplomatic corps accredited in Bern, business people and media representatives, as well as public figures and members of the Azerbaijani diaspora attended the reception.