Azerbaijan’s first vice-president sends New Year and Solidarity Day greetings

First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva has extended her greetings to the nation on the occasion of December 31, marking both World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and the New Year.

In a message shared on her official social media accounts, Aliyeva wrote: “May the unity and solidarity of the Azerbaijani people, and the peace and tranquility in our country be eternal! May the New Year bring health, love, joy and happiness to every family! Happy World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and Happy New Year!”

The Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis is marked annually on December 31 and holds special significance in strengthening unity and ties among Azerbaijanis worldwide.

The foundations of the holiday date back to late December 1989, when border barriers along the Soviet–Iranian frontier in Nakhchivan were dismantled, allowing Azerbaijanis from Northern and Southern Azerbaijan to reunite. At the same time, a Conference of Turkic-speaking peoples held in Istanbul adopted a decision to establish a day dedicated to the solidarity of Azerbaijanis around the world.

On December 16, 1991, Heydar Aliyev, then Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, officially declared December 31 as the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis, recognising the importance of unity among Azerbaijanis globally.

Since then, the date has been celebrated as a symbol of national cohesion and shared identity, coinciding with New Year festivities and serving as a source of pride for Azerbaijanis across the globe.