On the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Mr. Elmar Mammadov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the country to Bulgaria,

and his spouse Mrs. Gunay Akhundova-Mammadova hosted a reception on May 26 at the Hyatt Regency Sofia Hotel. Independence Day – May 28 – was celebrated by ministers and deputy ministers, members of parliament, mayors, ambassadors, diplomats, representatives of religious denominations, business and the media, and friends of Azerbaijan.

H.E. Mr. Elmar Mammadov addressed them with a welcoming speech, in which he emphasized: "Azerbaijan and Bulgaria share long-standing close friendly relations and a strategic partnership. The signing of the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership during President Ilham Aliyev's visit to Sofia on 4 March 2015, and the subsequent Joint Declaration on Strengthening Strategic Partnership signed during President Rumen Radev's visit to Baku on 8 May 2024, reflect the depth and continuity of this relationship."

He highlighted high-level visits, regular contacts between foreign ministers, and political consultations, which contribute significantly to the bilateral strategic dialogue, but stated that people-to-people contacts and decentralized cooperation form another vital dimension of the partnership.

"Among the twinning projects linking our cities, the establishment of cooperation between Shusha and Veliko Tarnovo in 2022 holds particular significance — both cities are cradles of culture and custodians of national identity for the peoples of both countries. The forthcoming construction of 'Shusha Park' in Veliko Tarnovo will stand as a lasting symbol of this friendship, embodying the harmony between culture, nature, and urban development."

In his speech, the ambassador emphasized that "multiculturalism is one of Azerbaijan’s core national values, rooted in centuries of diverse traditions that continue to shape the country’s identity and its relations with the world. In this spirit, Azerbaijan is committed to preserving historical, cultural, and religious heritage — not only within its own borders, but beyond them as well." He also recalled the restoration of the "Trapezitsa" Architectural Museum Reserve in Veliko Tarnovo, supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, as well as the Center for Azerbaijani Language and Culture at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" and the Center for Bulgarian Language and Culture at Baku Slavic University, which continue to deepen the cultural and educational ties between our peoples.

In economic terms: "Azerbaijan is a reliable strategic partner of Bulgaria, contributing to its energy security and competitiveness. Both countries are actively working to broaden and diversify their cooperation agenda. The newly established Azerbaijani-Bulgarian joint circular economy plant in the Sumgait Free Economic Zone — recently visited by President Iliana Iotova — is a clear illustration of this shared ambition."

Last year, trade between our countries reached 840 million US dollars, and now the aim is to further expand trade in the non-energy sector.

H.E. Mr. Elmar Mammadov emphasized the fact that this year has been declared the Year of Urban Planning and Architecture in Azerbaijan – a fitting backdrop for the holding of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) last week, the second-largest international event ever hosted by Azerbaijan after COP29. "With around 60,000 participants, WUF13 was the largest in the Forum's history, leaving lasting global legacies including the first-ever WUF13 Leaders' Summit and the Baku Urban Award on Sustainable Development."

Later in his speech, the Ambassador spoke in detail about the architectural heritage of Azerbaijan, which has deep roots.

On the Bulgarian side, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry, Mr. Alexander Pulev, greeted those present on the occasion of the holiday.

Then, a short video from the opening ceremony of WUF13 was presented, showing the architectural and environmental transformation of Baku, important cultural and historical monuments in Azerbaijan, and the process of reconstruction in the liberated territories. After which, guests enjoyed the famous Azerbaijani hospitality.

Photos provided by the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Republic of Bulgaria.

Above: H.E. Mr. Elmar Mammadov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Bulgaria, delivers his welcoming speech.