BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 28. An official reception
dedicated to May 28 – the Independence Day of the Republic of
Azerbaijan has been held in the city of Madrid, organized by the
Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of Spain,
Trend reports via the
embassy.
The event was attended by Luis Fonseca Sánchez, Director General
for North America, Eastern Europe, Asia and Pacific of the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain, other
high-ranking diplomats of the ministry, representatives of various
state bodies within the government of Spain, members of parliament,
senators, representatives of the diplomatic corps and international
organizations accredited in the country, numerous ambassadors,
officials of the Madrid city municipality, representatives of
academic circles and think tanks, representatives of business
circles, non-governmental organizations, and media outlets, as well
as members of the Azerbaijani community.
First, the national anthems of Azerbaijan and Spain were
played.
Speaking at the event later, the Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of
Spain, Ramiz Hasanov, spoke about the historical significance of
the 108th anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan
Democratic Republic. The ambassador noted that today, as the
political and spiritual heir of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic
- the first parliamentary republic in the East founded on May 28,
1918 - our country successfully continues its commitment to the
principles of sovereignty, secularism, and democratic
governance.
Hasanov brought to attention that despite operating for only 23
months, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic created an important
heritage in the field of democratic state building, took advanced
steps for its time such as granting voting rights to women, and
laid the foundation for the first multi-party parliamentary
tradition in the Turkic world.
In his speech, the ambassador emphasized that the Republic of
Azerbaijan, which restored its state independence in 1991, has
achieved significant accomplishments over the past period in
strengthening domestic stability, ensuring socio-economic
development, expanding international cooperation, and implementing
an independent policy based on national interests.
He stated that the strategic development course determined by
National Leader Heydar Aliyev is today successfully continued by
the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev.
Azerbaijan currently acts as one of the leading states in the
region with important initiatives in the fields of energy security,
transport and communication projects, humanitarian cooperation,
intercultural dialogue, and international security.
During the speech, he outlined that the full restoration of
Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty has created new
realities for lasting peace and stability in the region. Touching
upon the process of normalization of relations between Azerbaijan
and Armenia, Ambassador Ramiz Hasanov noted that despite the
conflict that lasted for many years, lasting peace can be achieved
if there is strong political will and international support.
In this context, it was emphasized that the President of the
Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, was awarded the "Gernika
Prize for Peace and Reconciliation," which holds special moral and
symbolic significance for Spanish society this year, for his
efforts to promote peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. It was
noted that the Azerbaijani people, having experienced the severe
consequences of war, understand the value of peace, security, and
mutual understanding well.
Ambassador Ramiz Hasanov also brought to attention that
relations between Azerbaijan and Spain have developed with an
upward dynamic in recent years. He stated that the visits of the
Speaker of the Spanish Parliament, Francina Armengol, and the
Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Spanish
Government, Diego Martínez Belío, to Azerbaijan, the holding of the
second strategic dialogue on Azerbaijani-Spanish economic
cooperation in Madrid, as well as intensifying cooperation in the
fields of culture, education, and humanitarian affairs have made an
important contribution to the further expansion of ties.
Attending the event as the main guest on behalf of the Spanish
government, Luis Fonseca Sánchez congratulated the government and
people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of Independence Day and
expressed his satisfaction with the development of relations
between the two countries.
The cultural program organized within the framework of the
official reception was met with great interest by the participants.
The joint performance of the well-known tar player Ibrahim Babayev,
who presented Azerbaijan's rich musical heritage with a modern
interpretation, and the soloist and artistic director of the
Cazorla Dance Group, the famous Spanish flamenco dancer Cristina
Cazorla, added a special color to the event. The synthesis of
Azerbaijani music with flamenco dance was welcomed by the guests
with applause.
At the end of the event, samples of Azerbaijani national cuisine
were presented to the guests, and various publications and
brochures reflecting our country's rich culture, history, and
tourism potential were displayed.
In addition, on May 28, 2026, at the initiative of the Embassy
and with the support of the Madrid City Council, the "Cibeles"
fountain, considered one of the famous historical symbols of Spain,
will be illuminated once again with the colors of the Azerbaijani
flag.
