Azerbaijan is a country that sits in the Caucasus as the gateway linking West and East. Over centuries the country was in the middle of the crossroads of different civilizations which formed its unique multiethnic and multi-faith cultural diversity. Azerbaijan is a place where representatives of different religions, ethnic groups have lived, created, communicated for many centuries.
On this occasion, the scientists, politicians and statesmen speak for Diplomacy & Commerce.
Mrs.Maja Grba-Bujević, Head of the Interparliamentary Friendship Group Croatia-Azerbaijan
In the year and month when the Republic of Croatia celebrates 30 years since the declaration of its full independence, on behalf of the Croatian Interparliamentary Friendship Group, Croatia Azerbaijan, we would like to congratulate our friend state Azerbaijan on the 30th anniversary of the restoration of the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan. I would like take the opportunity to emphasize my satisfaction with the current relations and cooperation between the Croatian Parliament and Milli Majlis, the Parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan, with the belief that these relations will on a mutual basis, continue to develop and improve in the future. Exceptional relations between Azerbaijan and Croatia have been strengthened over time thanks to political dialogue, which is constantly intensifying at all levels, as well as stronger and more fruitful economic and trade relations, which we would like to be even better to the benefit of both countries and peoples.
Mr.Stjepan Mesić, former President of the Republic of Croatia (2000. – 2010.), President of the Croatian-Azerbaijani Friendship Society
Thirty years ago, the Republic of Azerbaijan restored its independence, and Croatia achieved its independence by separating from Yugoslavia. Azerbaijan and Croatia, in order to exercise their right to independence, have gone through big trials. Regardless of the big geographical distance, our countries cooperate well. I am pleased with the great successes that Azerbaijan has achieved since its independence. I congratulate the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, and the citizens of Azerbaijan on everything they have achieved so far, with the desire to achieve an even better quality of life and even greater affirmation of Azerbaijan in the world.
Mr.Ivo Josipović, former president of the Republic of Croatia (2010. – 2015.), member of the Board of Trustees of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center
Both modern Azerbaijan and Croatia once again became independent states 30 years ago. Both countries suffered from war. Both countries changed their political systems and have built their statehoods. Both countries achieved important goals in the sphere of politics, economics, culture, sports…Also, we have differences as well. But, Azerbaijan and Croatia showed great will to live in freedom and to develop themselves. Our countries should be proud of our first 30 years of success and friendship. I visited Azerbaijan for the first time in 2000 and following a further 10 visits there have witnessed incredible development. Today, it is another country: a brilliant merger of tradition and modernism, a society with a strong economy and vision for the future. I congratulate the leadership of Azerbaijan and its people for a very successful 30 years of newly established independence and wish all the best for the beautiful country of Azerbaijan!
Ambassador H.E. Budimir Lončar, former Minister of Foreign affairs of SFRY
I have been to Azerbaijan several times and every time that country would impress me. The development of the country is going very fast, but at the same time, rich history is preserved and appreciated. Nizami Ganjavi Center was one of the first that I met in Baku in Azerbaijan, besides they are a very effective Center they also brought so much inspiration for people there and abroad. We are witnessing the effective progress made by Azerbaijan in every field, such as political, social, and economic areas during these 30 years of independence, under the great and wise leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. On 18 October, the Republic of Azerbaijan is celebrating Independence Day. On this occasion, I am honored to convey my heartfelt congratulations to the beautiful people of Azerbaijan and to its Government.
Mr.Igor Prižmić, Director of Marco Polo Art Festival
Our beautiful Croatia and the friendly Republic of Azerbaijan are connected by many things in the millennial history of our peoples and countries, so it is no wonder that our destinies were intertwined in those unforgettable October days 30 years ago when Croatia and Azerbaijan declared independence within only ten days of each other, from the community of peoples and federations in which they had been for decades and each set out on their own democratic paths. These were historical times in which one world order and its value system slowly but surely disappeared and another was born. During those difficult times, we appreciated the understanding and help of our friends from Azerbaijan, who under the leadership of President Heydar Aliyev sovereignly built and developed the Republic of Azerbaijan and in a few decades lifted it to the list of the world’s most developed economies; this policy of peace and economic development and prosperity is today being continued by the son of the late President, his Excellency Ilham Aliyev. I am honored and pleased to be the director of the international MARCO POLO ART FESTIVAL, which has hosted diplomatic representatives and artists from ten countries on the Silk Road for the fifth year in a row on the home island of the renowned explorer Marco Polo. In the hope that the friendship between our friendly countries will continue to develop and that in these difficult times of the global pandemic we will be able to find modalities for the continuation of our cooperation at the International Festival of Arts and Diplomacy I lead, I would like to congratulate all Azerbaijani citizens on Independence Day and wish you strong blessings and peace in the years ahead.
Prof. dr. sc. Damir Boras, Rector of the University of Zagreb
Croatia and Azerbaijan are two of the many countries in the East and Southeast of our continent, which in the early 90′, in changed international circumstances, at the time of the collapse of the bipolar world order achieved their long-awaited freedom and independence. Unfortunately, at the very beginning, both our countries had to defend their freedom and preserve their territorial integrity. Croatia won their defensive war but only achieved its full territorial integrity in 1998 following the peaceful reintegration of the Croatian Danube region. So, in the end, it was via diplomatic and political means. As far as I know, Azerbaijan regained most of its internationally recognized territory last year, during a war in which there were many casualties on both sides, including civilians. I hope that in the near future Azerbaijan and Armenia will reach a full peace agreement, in order to establish lasting peace in Nagorno-Karabakh and find a solution for the coexistence of Azerbaijanis, Armenians and all others who are staying there legally, in accordance with international law. I would like to take the opportunity to mention that my dear friend, Mr Branko Zebić, the Croatian Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan, systematically promotes good relations between our two friendly countries. From the bottom of my hear, I wish you peace and hope for the prosperity and progress of the entire South Caucasus region.