Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

The people of Azerbaijan will mark the most glorious date of their modern history on October 18 as Independence Day.

It is the culmination of a long struggle for restoring Azerbaijan's Republic after 70-year. The long-awaited independence was very exciting for the nation who had a high price for it.

The people took to the streets almost in every corner of Azerbaijan impatiently waiting for the approval of the Act of Independence under the performance of the national anthem.

It was a great V-day starting a new glorious page in a new history. Azerbaijan regained its sovereignty and put an end to its dependence on the Soviet empire.

October 18 was announced a holiday and the Parliament approved in May, 1992 the national anthem of Azerbaijan. Later the national flag and national emblem depicting an eight-pointed star with flames were approved.

Before long, the parliament adopted a constitution and held a nationwide vote on December 29 on this question: "Do you support the Constitutional Act on the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan?"

Azerbaijani people unanimously voted for national independence, which they were waiting for so long.

The ideology of Soviet Union crumbled fully at the end of the last century, generating 15 sovereign states in the vast area of Eurasia.

Turkey was the first country in the world to support Azerbaijan in its independence aspirations. A total of 50 countries recognized the independence of Azerbaijan by January 1992.

The newly established country needed the international support, as it had lost the first opportunity in the beginning of the 20th century. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic established in 1918, could exist only 23 months. It was due to outside interference, internal opposition and general political instability.

The first years of independence were difficult for Azerbaijan and it had to pass difficult tests to survive. With its favorable geographical location at the crossroads of the East and West and rich oil and gas resources, where the interests of the leading world powers intersect, Azerbaijan outlined its correct foreign policy to preserve and strengthen the country's independence.

Historical experience shows that preserving independence is much more difficult than gaining it.

By signing the "Contract of the Century" in 1994, Azerbaijan acted as an owner of its wealth and increased its influence and importance in the region.

Today Azerbaijan is one of the highly developed countries from the political and economic point of view. The country is now a leading player in the region and the world in terms of economic growth.

Azerbaijan has become a major player, actively initiating huge projects to bring stability and security to the region. The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway route, and the South Caucasus Pipeline could greatly contribute to the prosperity of the nation.

Azerbaijan also promotes the inter-culture dialogue and is initiator of humanitarian interaction. The country with predominantly Muslim population is recognized as a model tolerant nation with unique society where many religions co-exist in peace.

Azerbaijani state acts as a protector of national interest and guarantor of stability of its citizens, while developing equal partnerships with interested countries in the region.