Belarus leader salutes Azerbaijan’s progress in Independence Day message Congratulation to President Aliyev and all citizens

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev ahead of Azerbaijan’s Independence Day on May 28.

“I sincerely congratulate you and all citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Independence Day,” Lukashenko wrote, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

He praised Azerbaijan’s achievements under Aliyev’s leadership: “Thanks to your creative efforts, Azerbaijan today is rightly proud of its rapidly growing economy, the steady increase in the living standards of citizens, and the significant achievements in the international arena.”

Lukashenko highlighted the close relations between Belarus and Azerbaijan, noting, “Our regular contacts and systematic interaction between governments, parliaments and regions serve as a guarantee of further enhancing the strategic partnership between Minsk and Baku, which is in line with the interests of the two states.”

Expressing confidence in the future cooperation, he added, “I am confident that the cooperation between Belarus and Azerbaijan will continue to evolve actively based on traditions of friendship and mutual understanding.”

Concluding his message, Lukashenko wished President Aliyev and his family “good health and wellbeing,” and all Azerbaijanis “peace and prosperity.”

As a reminder, Azerbaijan celebrates its Independence Day on May 28, marking the proclamation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) in 1918 — the first secular and democratic republic in the Muslim world. The ADR, founded under the leadership of Mahammad Amin Rasulzada and the Azerbaijani National Council, was notable for granting equal voting rights to all citizens, including women — an unprecedented move in the region at the time.

Though the republic existed for just 23 months, it established a legacy of modern statehood. In 2021, the Azerbaijani Parliament officially renamed May 28 as Independence Day and designated October 18 — the day Azerbaijan declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 — as the Day of Restoration of State Independence.

By Tamilla Hasanova