Azerbaijan`s Republic Day marked in Washington DC
Washington, June 1 (AZERTAC). An official banquet was organized in Washington DC by the Azerbaijani Embassy to mark the country`s public holiday - Republic Day.
Addressing the event, Ambassador Elin Suleymanov briefed the participants on the history of 28 May- Republic Day.
The diplomat said Azerbaijan regained its independence 20 years ago and over a short period the country went through a rapid development path. He added Azerbaijan strengthened its position in the international arena and gaining votes of 155 states secured a seat on the UN Security Council.
The diplomat noted his country demonstrated best example to host Eurovision Song Contest.
Myles Deering, Army National Guard major general who currently serves as the Adjutant General of Oklahoma, congratulated the Azerbaijani government and people on behalf of Governor Mary Fallin. Deering spoke of successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and Oklahoma and expressed confidence that this partnership would further strengthen.
The event brought together about 500 people, including officials, diplomats, representatives of NGOs and think tanks.
Congresswoman Jean Schmidt gave an interview to correspondent of AZERTAC saying “We are delighted to see such development process in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan`s natural recourses play important role in meeting global energy needs. I think that Azerbaijan will further develop.” Schmidt also expressed confidence that Azerbaijan-U.S. partnership would continue for centuries.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia/Ukraine/Eurasia Celeste Wallander congratulated the Azerbaijani people on the occasion of the Republic Day. She said “our cooperation, particularly Pentagon`s relations with partners at the Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan was very strong. Azerbaijan actively contributes to international security efforts, and is one of the most reliable partners of the United States in the region. We highly appreciate these relations which are developing under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. I believe that our relations will expand in the future even more.”
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Eric Rubin said “We are pleased with the accomplishments of Azerbaijan that the country achieved over the last 20 years. Over these years US-Azerbaijan relations developed in economic, cultural and security spheres. We thank the Azerbaijani government for the high-level partnership in security area. These issues will be discussed during Secretary of State Hillary Clinton`s upcoming visit to Baku.”
In accordance with a decision of Mayor of Washington DC Vincent Gray, May 28 was marked as a National Day of Azerbaijan. The Mayor`s declaration on the occasion was handed over to ambassador Elin Suleymanov at the banquet by his representative Patricia Elwood. The declaration says the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was the first secular democratic parliamentary republic in the Muslim East and was recognized by other countries including U.S.
The Mayor recalls the fact that this year marks the 20th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between Azerbaijan and U.S.
The Mayor also praises Azerbaijani Embassy`s contributions to cultural life of Washington DC.
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