The Japan Times: Celebrating 100th anniversary of first Muslim democracy
Tokyo, June 5, AZERTAC
The Japan Times newspaper has published an article by Azerbaijani Ambassador to the country Gursel Ismayilzade. Published on the Embassy`s initiative, the article marks the centennial anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.
In the article headlined “Celebrating 100th anniversary of first Muslim democracy”, Ambassador Ismayilzade says: “The country celebrates this year the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which was the first democratic and secular republic in the Muslim world that was built in accordance with the model of a parliamentary republic and multiparty system. Azerbaijan granted all people the right to vote regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or religion, becoming the first Muslim nation to give women equal political rights with men.”
“The 1918 establishment of the ADR was a historic event and a great achievement of the Azerbaijani people. During this short period of independence, the state flag and other state attributes were adopted, the Azerbaijani language was declared a state language, and state agencies and ministries, as well as the armed forces were formed. The ADR started to conduct an active foreign policy with the main aim of promoting the newly established state,” the article says.
The article also features President Ilham Aliyev’s remarks on the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.
The ambassador highlights the process of restoration of Azerbaijan's independence in 1991 and the hardships faced by the country at that time.
“Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, modern Azerbaijan is confidently moving towards ensuring the development of its statehood. The sustainable political and economic reforms are being implemented in the country.”
The article hails Azerbaijan’s recent achievements made due to the purposeful policy of the head of state, drawing the readers` attention to various projects implemented mainly in economy, especially in the non-oil sector.
The article also mentions the prestigious international events, sporting tournaments and cultural programs hosted by Azerbaijan.
Gursel Ismayilzade also refers to the successful bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Japan saying: “Today, relationship between Azerbaijan and Japan has evolved into strategic partnership that is guided by cooperation in political, socio-economic, humanitarian and other fields, as well as substantial dialogue at the regional and international levels. The two countries enjoy high-level political ties through last year’s mutual visits aimed at deepening a broad range of areas of mutual interest, including partnership in the field of energy and economic cooperation in non-oil industries. Azerbaijan is gradually becoming one of the popular tourism destinations for Japanese travelers.”
Vugar Aghayev
Special Correspondent
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