25th Anniversary of restoration of the State Independence of Azerbaijan and the Day of Solidarity of Azerbaijanis celebrated in Bern

The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Swiss Confederation organized a concert and reception on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of restoration of the State Independence of Azerbaijan and the Day of Solidarity of Azerbaijanis in the World in Villa Mettlen in Bern on 17 December 2016. Azerbaijanis residing in Switzerland, working for international organisations based in Geneva, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva Vaqif Sadiqov and the staff of the Permanent Mission as well as some representatives of the Swiss community attended the event.

In his welcoming speech, Ambassador of Azerbaijan Akram Zeynalli spoke about the complicated path Azerbaijan passed for restoration of its independence, and how she became the most developed country in the region despite all hardships. Making a short excursion to the recent history, the Ambassador underlined the significant role played by national leader Heydar Aliyev in the restoration of independence, and he emphasized the continuity of the former’s achievements by the successful political course of incumbent President Ilham Aliyev. Ambassador Akram Zeynalli further talked about the state building process and reforms carried out since the restoration of independence and stressed that Azerbaijan took its well-deserved place within the international community of states thanks to the subtle policy pursued by both the national leader and President Ilham Aliyev. Speaking about the Day of Solidarity of Azerbaijanis, the Ambassador again underlined indelible role of Heydar Aliyev in making this solidarity possible. He further informed the audience about most significant developments in the Azerbaijani-Swiss relations in 2016, which he described as friendly relations getting stronger each year.

Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva Vaqif Sadiqov also delivered a short speech and congratulated everyone on the 25th Anniversary of restoration of the State Independence of Azerbaijan and Day of Solidarity of Azerbaijanis in the World.

Then followed performance by Azerbaijani pianist based in Paris Etibar Asadli, who played some Azerbaijani music. His performance was followed by a standing lunch that consisted of the Azerbaijani specialties.