Azerbaijan embassy in Doha hosts Republic Day celebrations

The embassy of Azerbaijan yesterday hosted a reception to celebrate Azerbaijan’s Republic Day in the presence of Qatari dignitaries, heads of diplomatic missions and other guests. Azerbaijan’s ambassador Rashad Ismayilov said this year’s celebration comes as Azerbaijan and Qatar celebrate the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Present on the occasion were HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Mohamed Abdul Wahed Ali al-Hammadi, HE the Minister of Municipality and Environment Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie and ambassador Ibrahim Yousef Fakhro, director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, among other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Ismayilov said: “On May 28, 1918, the first democratic republic was created for the first time in the Muslim world. The people of Azerbaijan are justifiably proud that this republic was created by our people. This is a historic event for our people and on a global scale. The people of Azerbaijan gained independence.
The world’s first Muslim democratic republic was established in Azerbaijan. This in itself showed again how progressive and talented our people are.”
He also talked about the progress and prosperity achieved by the country throughout its history in different fields, including economy and culture and also in terms of its relations with other countries. “It should be noted that Azerbaijan has made great strides in all areas in the 28 years since the re-establishment of its independence,” he added.
On 25 years of diplomatic ties with Qatar, he said the two countries have a relationship “built on solid common values in all fields, which is a true reflection of the strong human, cultural and economic links between our countries.”
Azerbaijan and Qatar are seeking to develop co-operation in all political and economic fields, he stressed. The official visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Azerbaijan in 2016 and the official visit of Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev to Qatar in 2017 launched a new era of bilateral relations between the two countries, which would contribute to building a larger network of relations in the fields of interest in order to serve the cause of development in both countries, it was observed.
A number of bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding between the two governments were signed during these visits, including the formation of a joint economic, trade and technical committee to build the basis for economic and trade relations. The second meeting of this committee has been held in Doha this year.  “Personal contacts between the political leaders of the two countries have played a positive role in the strengthening of bilateral relations.
Ties established between the two countries are based on the principle of mutual respect that has a positive influence on the development of co-operation between them in all fields and serve the interests of both countries in the regional and international context,” the ambassador continued. Further, he pointed out that “one of the most important goals for the near future should be an increase in trade, and there are good opportunities for this”. Ismayilov said the simplified visa system for Qatari citizens has contributed towards increasing the number of Qataris visiting Azerbaijan. Besides, after launching direct flights to Baku, Qatar Airways has played an important role in establishing a bridge between the people of Azerbaijan and Qatar.
Gulf Times Editor-in-Chief Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka was among the other guests present at the reception.