Ambassador Vaqif Sadiqov; Credit: Chronicle.lu

On Wednesday 29 May 2024, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Luxembourg, Vaqif Sadiqov, and his wife Sevinc Ismayilova, hosted an Independence Day Reception at the Hotel Royal in Luxembourg city centre.

Azerbaijan's Independence Day actually falls on 28 May: Azerbaijan declared independence from the Russian Empire on 28 May 1918. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was founded by the Azerbaijani National Council in Tiflis that same day, after the collapse of the Russian Empire that began with the Russian Revolution of 1917. The country later declared independence from the Soviet Union on 18 October 1991; its independence was recognised on 26 December 1991 and, on 12 November 1995, its constitution was adopted.

After the playing of both the Azerbaijani and Luxembourgish national anthems, Ambassador Sadiqov addressed the 120 invited guests, including the ambassadors of the Czech Republic, the UK, China and Cabo Verde, confirming this was the first such Azerbaijan national day reception to be held in the Grand Duchy.

He stated that this year represents the 106th anniversary of independence, by both 80 million in his country as well as an Azerbaijani diaspora spread world-wide. He recounted some of the country's history, including being part of the Soviet Union, referencing various footprints throughout its history. 

He recalled that Azerbaijan was one of the first countries to give women a vote, and talked about establishing diplomatic relations. He mentioned Luxembourg being one of the first countries to recognise Azerbaijan's independence and hopes for closer economic ties going forward. He also specifically welcomed Luxembourg's first ambassador to Azerbaijan, Alain de Muyser.

He confirmed that the EU (mainly Italy and Germany) is Azerbaijan's second largest trading partner. He stressed the importance of keeping a balance between relations with the EU and with individual Member States. They already have strategic partnership agreements with ten EU Member States. Looking forward, he said he is interested in how Europe will look like in five, ten years time. 

He mentioned the COP29 to be held in Baku in November and, in closing, he thanked the 5-600 strong Azerbaijani community in Luxembourg, some of whom were in the audience.

The formal part of the evening was followed by a reception and walking dinner.