The well-attended reception included representatives from California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington and other West Coast states of the United States, representatives of the U.S. State Department, Consuls General of many different states in Los Angeles, professors of various California universities, journalists, as well as members of Azerbaijani, Turkish, Jewish and Iranian communities.

Addressing the audience, Consul General Nasimi Aghayev spoke of the significance of the Republic Day (May 28) for Azerbaijan, a date on which 95 years ago the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first-ever secular democracy in the entire Muslim world was established. The Consul General noted that this important event played a crucial role in strengthening of national statehood traditions of Azerbaijani people. Speaking of the achievements and progressive reforms carried out by ADR, Nasimi Aghayev mentioned that even the U.S. President Woodrow Wilson was deeply impressed by what experienced while talking to Azerbaijani diplomats on the sidelines of the Paris Peace Conference in 1919. “Regrettably, the independence of Azerbaijan was short-cut by a foreign invasion in 1920 and Azerbaijan became independent again only in 1991,” the Consul General said. Highlighting the many difficult challenges Azerbaijan faced during the initial years of the independence, including the potential loss of independence and fragmentation of the country, Nasimi Aghayev mentioned that during these turbulent times only a true statesman and visionary leader could save Azerbaijan from total collapse. “We were blessed to have this leader, it was Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan`s National Leader,” the Consul General said.

“Under the astute leadership of Heydar Aliyev, much-needed domestic stability was restored, important political, economic and social reforms were launched,” Aghayev noted. “A well-balanced and farsighted foreign policy conducted under his leadership enabled to strengthen Azerbaijan`s independence and sovereignty and establish strategic partnerships with regional states and global powers,” the diplomat said. Then relevant proclamations dedicated to the celebration from California Governor, Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County as well as San Diego City and Monterey City were read out.

A photo exhibition reflecting the life and achievements of Heydar Aliyev, including his official visits to the United States, was presented at the celebration. Azerbaijani national dances performed by members of Azerbaijan State Music and Dance Ensemble Nigar Mammadova and Anar Shahmuradov mesmerized the audience and received multiple ovations.

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