Ashraf Siddiqui
Doha
Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Qatar HE Rashad Ismayilov on Monday hosted a reception to celebrate Azerbaijan’s 28th Independence anniversary.
Present on the occasion were Minister of Education and Higher Education HE Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed al Hammadi, Minister of Municipality and Environment HE Engineer Abdulla bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al Subaie and Director Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Ibrahim Fakhroo, members of diplomatic corps, guests and members of Azerbaijan community in Qatar.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Ismayilov said this year, Azerbaijan is celebrating two very important landmark events, first marking 100th anniversary of founding of its diplomatic service and the foreign ministry in 1919, and secondly, Azerbaijan and Qatar are celebrating 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
He said, during last 25 years, Azerbaijan and Qatar have solidified a privileged relationship built on the principle of mutual respect, common values in all fields, which are a true reflection of the strong human, cultural and economic links between the two countries.
The envoy said both countries are seeking to develop cooperation in all fields.
"The official visit of the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani to Azerbaijan and the visit of Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev to Qatar launched a new era of bilateral relations, which will lead to building a large network of mutual interests,” the envoy said.
He added, "During these visits, a number of bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed, including the formation of the joint economic, trade and technical committee for building the basis for economic and trade relations, which second meeting was held in Doha this year.
"The relations established between the two countries are based on the principle of mutual respect that exerts positive influence on development of the cooperation that serves the interests of both countries in regional and international context.”
"I believe that one of the most important goals for the near future should be the increase of trade and there are good opportunities for that. At the same time, we are encouraged by the fact that a growing number of Qatari citizens are coming to Azerbaijan. As you know, a simplified visa regime is applied to Qatari citizens at the present time and the number of visitors is increasing. It should be noted that after opening its regular direct flight to Baku, Qatar Airways, main sponsor of the event, played an important role in establishing bridge between peoples of Azerbaijan and Qatar,” he said.
The Azerbaijan envoy said his country has an ancient history and rich cultural legacy, including Shamakhi Juma Mosque built in 743, as well as huge natural and human legacy. He said Azerbaijan was the first Muslim country to establish a republic on May 28, 1918 and then was able in a very short time before the invasion of Soviet Union to have its own national flag, state anthem composed by Uzeyir Hajibeyli, which show how progressive and talented Azerbaijan people are. He thanked sponsors of the event, including Qatar Airways, Socar, Gilan Holding and Karabah.
A band of three music artistes, specially flown in from Azerbaijan, made the evening more interesting with its captivating performance.
Doha
Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Qatar HE Rashad Ismayilov on Monday hosted a reception to celebrate Azerbaijan’s 28th Independence anniversary.
Present on the occasion were Minister of Education and Higher Education HE Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed al Hammadi, Minister of Municipality and Environment HE Engineer Abdulla bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al Subaie and Director Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Ibrahim Fakhroo, members of diplomatic corps, guests and members of Azerbaijan community in Qatar.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Ismayilov said this year, Azerbaijan is celebrating two very important landmark events, first marking 100th anniversary of founding of its diplomatic service and the foreign ministry in 1919, and secondly, Azerbaijan and Qatar are celebrating 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
He said, during last 25 years, Azerbaijan and Qatar have solidified a privileged relationship built on the principle of mutual respect, common values in all fields, which are a true reflection of the strong human, cultural and economic links between the two countries.
The envoy said both countries are seeking to develop cooperation in all fields.
"The official visit of the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani to Azerbaijan and the visit of Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev to Qatar launched a new era of bilateral relations, which will lead to building a large network of mutual interests,” the envoy said.
He added, "During these visits, a number of bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed, including the formation of the joint economic, trade and technical committee for building the basis for economic and trade relations, which second meeting was held in Doha this year.
"The relations established between the two countries are based on the principle of mutual respect that exerts positive influence on development of the cooperation that serves the interests of both countries in regional and international context.”
"I believe that one of the most important goals for the near future should be the increase of trade and there are good opportunities for that. At the same time, we are encouraged by the fact that a growing number of Qatari citizens are coming to Azerbaijan. As you know, a simplified visa regime is applied to Qatari citizens at the present time and the number of visitors is increasing. It should be noted that after opening its regular direct flight to Baku, Qatar Airways, main sponsor of the event, played an important role in establishing bridge between peoples of Azerbaijan and Qatar,” he said.
The Azerbaijan envoy said his country has an ancient history and rich cultural legacy, including Shamakhi Juma Mosque built in 743, as well as huge natural and human legacy. He said Azerbaijan was the first Muslim country to establish a republic on May 28, 1918 and then was able in a very short time before the invasion of Soviet Union to have its own national flag, state anthem composed by Uzeyir Hajibeyli, which show how progressive and talented Azerbaijan people are. He thanked sponsors of the event, including Qatar Airways, Socar, Gilan Holding and Karabah.
A band of three music artistes, specially flown in from Azerbaijan, made the evening more interesting with its captivating performance.