Baku, May 30, AZERTAC

On May 29, a solemn ceremony of hoisting the flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan was held at the Wall Street in New York with the participation of Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov. The event was attended by Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, Ambassador Yashar Aliyev, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States of America Elin Suleymanov, the officials of the New York City Mayor's Office, representatives of the Azerbaijani Diaspora and community in the United States.

Speaking about the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and the country's achievements, Minister Elmar Mammadyarov noted that the founders of the Republic would be proud of the modern Azerbaijan Republic if they were alive today.

During the visit, Minister Elmar Mammadyarov met with President of the UN General Assembly Miroslav Lajcak. The sides exchanged views on cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the UN. Miroslav Lajcak, remembering his visit to Azerbaijan to attend the Ministerial Meeting of Non-Aligned Movement held in April in Baku, expressed his satisfaction with the visit and the meetings.

Referring to the issues on the agenda of the UN General Assembly, Elmar Mammadyarov briefed about the priorities of Azerbaijan's chairmanship in the Non-Aligned Movement in 2019-2022.

The successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals by Azerbaijan at the national level was also noted during the meeting.

Referring to the UN General Assembly agenda item on the situation in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, Minister Elmar Mammadyarov briefed about the current situation in the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and noted that the status quo of occupation was unacceptable and unsustainable, as noted by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair countries. He stressed the need to ensure rule based approach in inter-state relations, fulfill commitments enshrined in the UN Charter by all member-states and noted the unacceptability of the use of force to change the internationally recognized borders of states and acquire territory by force.

On the same day in New York, Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov participated in the event on the occasion of the 100th jubilee of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and Republic Day. The reception was attended by UN officials, heads of diplomatic missions of the UN member states-ambassadors, public and political figures, representatives of New York City Mayor, members of the Azerbaijani diaspora.

Addressing the event with the opening remarks, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, Ambassador Yashar Aliyev said that the independent and sovereign Azerbaijan is a worthy and responsible member of the UN. The ambassador said that the national anthem, which was adopted in period of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, is an extraordinary masterpiece and that the anthem is sensed by each and every Azerbaijani, embracing the path of independence of Azerbaijan through musical harmony and then he gave the floor to Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov.

Elmar Mammadyarov pointing out that the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was the first parliamentary republic in the Muslim East, he spoke about the progressive works being done - establishing state institutions in the ADR, founding the Baku State University, sending young people to leading universities in the world to study under state scholarships, securing fundamental rights and freedoms, and granting women the right to vote. Informing that the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was de-facto unanimously recognized at the Paris Peace Conference and noting activities done at the diplomatic level, he stressed that Azerbaijan restored its independence as a worthy successor of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, despite the aggression of neighboring Armenia and the occupation of the territories, and successfully develops on the basis of legacy of national leader Heydar Aliyev under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.

Addressing the event, President of the UN General Assembly Miroslav Lajcak congratulated the people and state of Azerbaijan on the Republic Day and the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. He noted that Azerbaijan plays an active role in international relations and the UN system, contributes to the strengthening of dialogue among civilizations and promoting multiculturalism.

The event continued with presentation of national cuisine and culture of Azerbaijan.

Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov continues a working visit to the United States.