A formal reception was held at the Embassy of Azerbaijan in the Kingdom of Belgium on the occasion of May 28 – Independence Day
The event was attended by representatives from Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Union, members of the diplomatic corps in Brussels, prominent figures from the fields of science and the arts, media representatives, and members of the Azerbaijani community.
During the event, Vaqif Sadiqov, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Belgium and Head of the Mission to the European Union, delivered a speech in which he spoke about the historical significance of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic — the first democratic republic in the Muslim East — and honored the sacrifice of the patriotic sons who gave their lives for the country’s freedom and territorial integrity.
The ambassador emphasized that, against the backdrop of global geostrategic tensions and the fragmentation of the international order, Azerbaijan has emerged as a reliable and active country that bases its initiatives on the norms and principles of international law, advocating for peace, dialogue, and mutual trust. He highlighted Azerbaijan’s active role in hosting numerous international events in the areas of cooperation and multilateralism, and noted its chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement from 2019 to 2023.
Sadiqov also pointed to Azerbaijan’s successful hosting of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in 2024 and the agreement reached on climate financing as key contributions to major global processes. He further mentioned that Azerbaijan will host the World Urban Forum and the Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in 2026. He underlined the growing dynamic in Azerbaijan-EU and Azerbaijan-Belgium relations.
Addressing the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the ambassador stated that the agreement on a peace treaty reached in March this year brings the prospect of peace closer and is of vital importance for the future development of the South Caucasus region.
The reception concluded with performances by professional Azerbaijani musicians and dancers residing in European countries, who showcased national music and traditional dances.
The event was broadcast live by “RadiOcto,” the first Azerbaijani internet radio station established in Europe, launched earlier this year in Belgium.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX3kQdJn-7g
