The Embassy of Azerbaijan in the Kyrgyz Republic organized an official reception dedicated to May 28 – Independence Day at the “Hyatt Regency” hotel in Bishkek.
The reception was attended by representatives of the Kyrgyz government and socio-political circles, heads of diplomatic missions (ambassadors of Turkey, Germany, Qatar, Hungary, France, Switzerland, Iran, India, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia, permanent representatives of the UN and OSCE, heads of international organizations operating in Bishkek, the head of the representative office of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the Kyrgyz Republic), members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Azerbaijani and Turkish diasporas, the local public, and media. Meder Abakirov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, attended the official reception as the guest of honor on behalf of the Kyrgyz side.
In his speech at the reception, Ambassador Latif Gandilov stated that this day holds special historical significance for the Azerbaijani people and the Azerbaijani state. In 1918, the Azerbaijani people were the first in the East to raise the flag of independence and create the first democratic republic in the East — the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. This was a crucial milestone not only in the history of our country but of the entire region. Even at that time, Azerbaijan guaranteed equal rights and freedoms to all its citizens, including the right to vote for women, which was a highly progressive step for its era. He noted that the preservation and strengthening of modern Azerbaijan’s independence are linked to the name of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, and that the development strategy founded by Heydar Aliyev is being confidently continued by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev. He added that over the past period, our country has traversed a great path of development, becoming one of the modern, strong, and influential states.
L. Gandilov further stated that after restoring its state independence in 1991, Azerbaijan faced military aggression from Armenia. After nearly thirty years, our country ensured its territorial integrity and restored its sovereignty within internationally recognized borders. Ensuring peace and stability in the South Caucasus is one of the main priorities for Azerbaijan. He noted that immediately after the end of the Second Karabakh War in 2020, our country put forward a peace initiative, which resulted in significant agreements toward normalizing relations and signing a peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and mentioned that the text of the peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia was initialed in Washington in 2025.
The Ambassador stated that Azerbaijan has unilaterally lifted restrictions on the transit of goods to Armenia, noting that 30,000 tons of cargo have been transported to Armenia via Azerbaijani railways so far, and that Azerbaijan has supplied 15,000 tons of oil and oil products to Armenia.
Furthermore, the Ambassador provided information regarding the mine threat in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan, stating that as a result of the Armenian occupation, Azerbaijan is among the most mine-contaminated countries in the world. Azerbaijan is also resolving mine clearance efforts with its own resources. Azerbaijan is mobilizing its capabilities for the restoration of our cities and villages destroyed during the occupation. To date, more than 85,000 people have returned to the restored cities and villages.
The Ambassador emphasized that Azerbaijan has achieved significant success in socio-economic development in recent years and has further strengthened its position in the international arena, stating that our country, located at the crossroads of East and West, has become one of the important energy and transport hubs in Eurasia. He said that all these achievements were possible thanks to the great efforts and creative activities of the Azerbaijani people. He noted that it is no coincidence that the international community entrusts Azerbaijan with hosting major global events such as the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), the World Urban Forum (WUF13), and other important international platforms, which is an indicator of the recognition of our country’s constructive role in strengthening international cooperation and promoting the sustainable development agenda.
Touching upon bilateral economic relations with Kyrgyzstan, L. Gandilov stated that relations between our countries are developing in all areas. High-level state visits are carried out between our countries, and such visits are planned for this year as well. Since 2025, the funds of the Azerbaijan-Kyrgyzstan-Azerbaijan Development Fund have been increased to 100 million USD. The Fund implements various projects aimed at contributing to the development of the Kyrgyz economy. The Ambassador noted that in addition to bilateral relations, relations within the framework of international organizations are also at a high level, and expressed his gratitude for Kyrgyzstan’s support of our country’s candidacies during elections in international organizations. The Ambassador noted that Azerbaijan will support Kyrgyzstan’s candidacy in the elections for non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council in June of this year and wished the Kyrgyz Republic success in these elections.
In his congratulatory speech, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic M. Abakirov congratulated the Azerbaijani people on the national holiday – Independence Day and expressed his best wishes.
Noting that the relations between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan have a great history, the Deputy Minister emphasized that the strategic relations currently existing between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan have reached a higher stage with the support of the leaders of our countries. He stated that Azerbaijan is developing rapidly and has become one of the strong states of the world, emphasizing that Kyrgyzstan rejoices in these successes of Azerbaijan. He said that the peoples of our countries are rightly called brotherly peoples. We are united by close ties of friendship and kinship, common moral values, history, culture, and traditions. Kyrgyzstan-Azerbaijan relations have a great future.
In the end, Ambassador Latif Gandilov stated that as a result of the efforts of the Presidents of the two countries, the relations between our countries have developed and reached an irreversible point, and raised a toast in honor of the Azerbaijani and Kyrgyz states, and the Azerbaijani and Kyrgyz peoples, led by our Presidents.
During the event, video clips reflecting Azerbaijan’s achievements, tourist attractions, tourism opportunities, and historical monuments were shown.
Guests were presented with delicious dishes of Azerbaijani national cuisine, as well as Azerbaijani wines distinguished by their unique delicate taste and rich aroma. Within the framework of the event, a special presentation of “Istisu” mineral medicinal-table water, produced in the liberated Kalbajar district and currently exported to Kyrgyzstan, was held.
During the reception, to promote Azerbaijan’s rich culture and art, classical works by great Azerbaijani composers were performed live by a symphonic quintet, and folk songs and national dances were presented by an ensemble of national musical instruments.