Prague, May 29, AZERTAC
Azerbaijan’s Embassy in the Czech Republic hosted an official reception in Prague to mark May 28 – the country’s Independence Day.
The event was attended by high-ranking guests, including Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Parliament Tomio Okamura, Head of the Office of Czech Government of the Czech Republic Tünde Barta, National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister Hynek Kmoníček, representatives of Czech government agencies, members of the Azerbaijan-Czech Friendship Group of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament, heads of diplomatic corps accredited in the Czech Republic, as well as media representatives and Azerbaijani diaspora activists.
Addressing the event, Yashar Aliyev, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the Czech Republic, emphasized that although the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) existed for only 23 months following its establishment in 1918, the first democracy in the Muslim East played a pivotal role in strengthening national identity and shaping modern statehood traditions. The diplomat mentioned that this enduring legacy laid the foundation for the Azerbaijani people to restore their independence in 1991 and safeguard their statehood traditions.
In his opening remarks, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš hailed the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic, adding that the bilateral cooperation between the two countries continues to strengthen in various fields.
Noting that energy cooperation remains the cornerstone of bilateral relations, the Czech Prime Minister said Azerbaijan is the largest supplier of crude oil to the Czech Republic.
Recalling his recent visit to Azerbaijan and his constructive discussions with President Ilham Aliyev, as well as their meeting at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš underscored that this regular dialogue goes beyond formal diplomacy. The PM framed it as a testament to an active partnership focused on practical results, expressing his confidence that continued contacts would deepen mutual understanding and enhance Czech-Azerbaijan economic cooperation.
The event featured a special exhibition curated by Leyla Begim, Head of the Azerbaijan Culture House, to commemorate Independence Day.
Vugar Seyidov
Special correspondent
