Washington the capital of the United States, hosted an official reception marking May 28 - the Independence Day of Azerbaijan and June 26 - the Day of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan.

Axar.az informs first, the national anthems of both states were played.

Addressing the event, Khazar Ibrahim, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the U.S., noted that this year marks the 107th anniversary of establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), the first democratic republic in the Muslim East, describing the modern Azerbaijan as a strong, stable, and thriving state.

He also mentioned the meeting of the Azerbaijani Democratic Republic founders with US President Woodrow Wilson in Paris, France in 1919.

In his remarks, William Joyce, Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of International Affairs of the US Department of Energy, underscored that the United States greatly values its relationship with Azerbaijan.

“Over the last 34 years, we've built a partnership based on friendship, shared interests, and mutual respect. Azerbaijan and the United States tackle the scourge of terrorism and work to combat violent extremism together; fought side by side in Afghanistan. Together, we developed pathways for Azerbaijani oil and natural gas to get to the Western markets,” Joyce said.

He added that the United States is excited to see Azerbaijan increasing its role as the country’s energy partner and of the world.

Kamran Tahirbayli, Azerbaijan’s Acting Defense, Military, Naval and Air Attaché – Lieutenant Commander touched upon the Azerbaijan-US military collaboration said: “The cooperation between Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense and the U. S. Department of Defense has grown steeply stronger over the years; it's built on shared values, mutual respect, and deep commitment to advancing peace, security, and stability not only within the region but across the globe through joint training programs, operational collaboration, capacity building initiatives, and strategic dialogues. We have formed a partnership rooted in trust and strength by action. The cornerstone of this relationship has been our enduring partnership with Oklahoma National Guard through the state partnership program.”

Colby Wyatt, Brigadier General, Director of the Joint Staff of Oklahoma National Guard, noted that he had enjoyed immensely working with the Azerbaijanis, adding that he is looking forward for future engagements.

Then, the proclamation on the occasion of the 107th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s Independence Day signed by Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington, was read out.