An event and exhibition dedicated to May 28 – Independence Day were held in Bucharest, the capital of Romania, organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan.

Axar.az informs the ceremony, attended by 800 guests, brought together Romanian state officials, government representatives, members of parliament and the senate, public and political figures, including Romania’s Minister of Labor and Social Solidarity Simona Bucura-Oprescu, State Secretary for Religious Affairs Ciprian Olinici, heads of diplomatic missions accredited in the country, figures from science and culture, local media executives, numerous representatives of the Turkish and Tatar communities, as well as Azerbaijani citizens studying and residing in Romania.

Then, Ambassador Gudsi Osmanov delivered a speech, highlighting the history of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, established in 1918. He recalled the difficult years following the restoration of independence at the end of the 20th century and spoke about the exceptional role of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in preserving statehood after returning to power at the people’s request during a period of political and economic hardship. The ambassador emphasized that President Ilham Aliyev has continued this political course, underlining that Azerbaijan has restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty. He also noted the successful implementation of the “Great Return” program, which envisions the resettlement of internally displaced persons to their native lands after 30 years.

The diplomat noted the development of economic relations between the two countries and highlighted the successful operations of SOCAR Romania. He also emphasized that Romania supports all international and regional projects and initiatives put forward by Azerbaijan, adding that relations between the two countries continue on the basis of mutual friendship and strategic partnership.

In her speech, Ana Birchall, the Romanian President’s Advisor on International Relations and Strategic Partnerships, congratulated the people of Azerbaijan on Independence Day and noted that official Bucharest is interested in lasting stability, development, and prosperity in the South Caucasus. She expressed her gratitude to the Azerbaijani state and people for the support provided to Romania and Moldova during the energy crisis threat in Europe in 2022.

Romania’s Deputy Prime Minister Marian Neacșu highlighted Azerbaijan’s important role in the region, describing it as a key country in the South Caucasus, while positioning Romania as a key state in Southeast Europe. He pointed to the many similarities between the two nations and affirmed that Romania is a true and reliable friend of Azerbaijan in Europe.

Romanian Senate Deputy Speaker Mircea Abrudean recalled that Romania was the second country to recognize Azerbaijan’s independence and highlighted the existence of strategic partnership ties between the two countries, emphasizing the importance of the relevant agreements signed in this area.

Romania’s Minister of Energy and Co-Chair of the Joint Commission on Trade, Economic Relations, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation between the Governments of Azerbaijan and Romania, Sebastian Burduja, spoke about the friendship between the two countries and quoted the great Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi. He described Azerbaijan’s energy policy as a “story of foresight” and highlighted cooperation in green energy production and its transportation to Europe.

As part of the event, an exhibition was organized featuring photos of prominent Azerbaijani statesmen and cultural figures such as Nizami Ganjavi, Shah Ismail Khatai, and Mohammad Fuzuli. The exhibition also showcased large-scale restoration and reconstruction efforts in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories, the country’s development, and the Romania-Azerbaijan relationship.

Visitors to the exhibition were provided with detailed information by the ambassador and embassy staff.

At the end of the event, guests were served traditional Azerbaijani dishes during a reception.

The event received extensive coverage in the Romanian media.