The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Seoul hosted an official reception to commemorate May 28 – the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The event opened with welcoming remarks by the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Korea, Ramin Hasanov. In his speech, he highlighted the historical significance of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan as the first democratic state in the Muslim world, noting its progressive reforms, including women’s right to vote, a representative parliament reflecting the country’s ethnic and religious diversity, and broad modernization efforts. He emphasized that the republic was among the most advanced states of its time and successfully integrated into the post-First World War international community.

Ambassador Hasanov stated that although the Republic existed for only two years before the Soviet invasion of April 1920, its ideals and democratic values endured in the collective memory of the Azerbaijani people. Following the restoration of independence in 1991, Azerbaijan declared itself the political and legal successor to the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan and revived its national symbols, traditions, and democratic aspirations.

The Ambassador further emphasized that Azerbaijan faced considerable political and economic difficulties in the early 1990s. Under the leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, however, the country embarked on a path of stability, sustainable development, and international cooperation. He underlined that Azerbaijan’s continued adherence to the strategic vision established by Heydar Aliyev has transformed the country into a regional leader and an influential participant in international affairs.

Ambassador Hasanov also highlighted Azerbaijan’s successful implementation of major transnational energy and transport projects, as well as its active contribution to addressing global challenges. In this context, he referred to Azerbaijan’s hosting of major international events, including COP29 and World Urban Forum 13.

Touching upon regional developments, the Ambassador referred to the ongoing normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia and highlighted the outcomes of the historic visit of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to Washington in August 2025. He noted that during the visit, the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia initialed a peace treaty at the White House in the presence of the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the United States. He added that the treaty could be signed following constitutional amendments in Armenia removing territorial claims against Azerbaijan.

He also referred to the large-scale reconstruction and development efforts underway in the regions of Karabakh and East Zangezur liberated from Armenian occupation, while drawing attention to the continuing challenge of landmines.

Speaking on Azerbaijani-Korean relations, Ambassador Hasanov noted that the two countries maintain a constructive political dialogue grounded in mutual respect and shared interests. He emphasized the growing cooperation in cultural and humanitarian fields and stated that Azerbaijan is Korea’s largest economic and trade partner in the region. According to the Ambassador, the active engagement of both countries in international affairs creates favorable conditions for further expanding bilateral cooperation.

The Special Representative for Middle East Peace at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Lee Kyung-chul, delivered congratulatory remarks on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Korea.

The Special Representative conveyed the Korean government’s sincere congratulations to the Government and People of Azerbaijan, highlighting the country’s growing stature as a reliable and trusted hub for international meetings. He noted Azerbaijan’s successful hosting of globally significant events, including COP29 and WUF13, and expressed confidence that the upcoming Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) summit in Baku will prove to be another success story.

Referring to bilateral relations, Special Representative emphasized that Azerbaijan has been a warm and supportive partner to Korea in the international community. He highlighted the recent high-level exchanges between the two countries and expressed appreciation for Azerbaijan’s assistance in the evacuation of Republic of Korea nationals during a crisis in the Middle East.

The Special Representative also underscored the growing cooperation between the two nations in cultural field. He pointed to initiatives such as the publication of the first standard textbook of Azerbaijani language in Korea and the Korean translation of the Azerbaijani epic “Kitabi-Dede Gorgud,” noting that these exchanges have cultivated a genuine sense of friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Korea.

The reception concluded with a banquet.

The event was attended by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea and other government institutions, representatives of political, business, academic, and cultural circles, members of the media, representatives of diplomatic missions accredited to Korea, as well as members of the Azerbaijani diaspora and Azerbaijani students studying in Korea.