Azerbaijani President receives National Day congratulations from world leaders

President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan has received a series of congratulatory messages from world leaders marking the nation’s Independence Day.

Among those extending their felicitations was Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, President of the Republic of Cuba, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

In his message, Díaz-Canel reaffirmed Havana’s commitment to fostering international cooperation:

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and your people on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Availing myself of the opportunity, I would like to reiterate our intention to strengthen the relations of friendship and cooperation between our countries.”

The outreach continued from Southeast Asia, where Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, conveyed his government’s felicitations. Marking the 107th anniversary of Azerbaijani independence, the military leader emphasised his aspirations for deepened bilateral engagement:

“On behalf of the people of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and on my own behalf, I would like to extend our warm congratulations and best wishes to Your Excellency and, through you, to the people of Azerbaijan on the auspicious occasion of the 107th anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It is my hope that the relations between our two countries will be fostered in the years ahead.”

Moreover, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has extended his “warm congratulations” to President Aliyev, as well as to the government and people of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in an official message.

On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I extend my congratulations to you and, through you, to the government and people of your country. I express confidence that the relations of friendship between our two countries will continue to expand and develop in the future.

As a reminder, Azerbaijan celebrates its National Day on May 28, commemorating the founding of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) in 1918—the first secular and democratic republic in the Muslim world.

Established by the Azerbaijani National Council under Mahammad Amin Rasulzada, the ADR was pioneering in granting equal voting rights to all citizens, including women. Though the republic lasted only 23 months, it laid the groundwork for modern Azerbaijani statehood.

In 2021, the Azerbaijani Parliament rebranded the holiday as Independence Day, shifting the previous Republic Day, and renamed October 18 as the Day of Restoration of State Independence.

By Aghakazim Guliyev