Dear employees of the Academy,

I sincerely congratulate you on May 28 – Independence Day, one of the brightest and most glorious pages in the history of our nationhood, and wish each of you strong health, prosperity, new achievements, and continued success.

The proclamation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic on May 28, 1918, was a significant historical event marking the triumph of our people’s ideals of national freedom and independence, as well as the restoration and development of our statehood traditions. As the first parliamentary democratic republic in the East, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic took important steps within a short period toward the formation of our national identity, the establishment of democratic values, and the creation of modern principles of statehood. Undoubtedly, the reforms implemented by the Republic played an exceptional role in preserving our people’s aspirations for freedom, independence, and national sovereignty throughout the 70 years of Soviet rule.

Following the restoration of our independence, the rich state-building policy implemented by National Leader Heydar Aliyev to strengthen our country’s sovereignty and develop our statehood laid a solid foundation for Azerbaijan’s sustainable development. This political course has been successfully continued by Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev. Through the historic victories achieved during the Patriotic War and local anti-terror measures, Azerbaijan’s state sovereignty was fully restored, and our national flag was raised across the entire territory of the country. This magnificent victory is an unparalleled event in the history of Azerbaijan, a nation with centuries-old statehood traditions, and has become forever associated with the name of President Ilham Aliyev.

Undoubtedly, today Azerbaijan has become one of the influential countries not only in the region but also in the world, and hosting high-level conferences and forums under the auspices of the United Nations is a clear indication of this.

Today, the staff of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences also works tirelessly for the development of our state and spares no effort in strengthening our state independence and preserving our national and spiritual values.

Dear colleagues, on this remarkable occasion, I once again wish each of you strong health, new scientific achievements and success.

Isa HABIBBEYLI

President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Academician