The 108th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s Independence Day was celebrated with a grand reception held at the historic Lancaster House in London. The ceremony began with artist Aysel Teymurzade performing the national anthems of Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom.
Distinguished Guests Attend Reception
A formal reception marking the 108th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s Independence Day was hosted at Lancaster House, one of the landmark venues in the British capital. The event was organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan to the United Kingdom and attended by the UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker, representatives of various state institutions, members of diplomatic missions, and representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora.
Aysel Teymurzade Opens the Evening
The reception opened with a performance by singer Aysel Teymurzade, who represented Azerbaijan at the Eurovision Song Contest, singing the national anthems of Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom. Her performance was warmly received by guests, while dance shows and musical performances throughout the evening added color and vibrancy to the program.
Ambassador Elin Suleymanov Highlights Democratic Legacy
Speaking at the event, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Elin Suleymanov, stated that the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, established on May 28, 1918, was the first parliamentary democracy in the Muslim East.
Suleymanov emphasized that despite its short existence, the republic left an important legacy in Azerbaijan’s history by granting all citizens the right to vote and be elected regardless of ethnicity, religion, race, or gender. He also stressed that modern Azerbaijan remains committed to these values of tolerance and multiculturalism.
UK Praises Strategic Partnership
In his remarks, UK Minister of State for Defence Lord Vernon Coaker described Azerbaijan as one of the region’s important diplomatic and security partners and expressed satisfaction with the elevation of bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership.
Music and Cultural Performances Highlight Evening
The reception continued with a concert program and refreshments for guests. Aysel Teymurzade’s performances of the national anthems and her stage appearances were among the highlights of the evening.
Turkish Ambassador to London Osman Koray Ertaş and Turkish Consul General Dr. Hasan Ulusoy also attended the event, reinforcing the spirit of “one nation, two states.”
