Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

Azerbaijanis all over the world mark their solidarity day on December 31.

President Ilham Aliyev extended his congratulations on the occasion of the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day on December 25.

"I cordially congratulate all of you on the occasion of the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day, which was founded by the national leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev and became one of our traditional holidays, and wish each of you happiness and well-being," President Aliyev said in his congratulatory message.

The solidarity day was initiated by Azerbaijan's late national leader, former President Heydar Aliyev on December 16, 1993. In accordance with a presidential decree, the last day of December is annually celebrated as the day highlighting unity of world Azerbaijanis.

The president noted that organization and consolidation of the Azerbaijanis living abroad and strengthening of their ties with the historical motherland is an integral part of the diaspora movement. Currently, a variety of entities founded by Azerbaijanis and supported by the Azerbaijani government successfully function in countries around the globe.

President Aliyev wrote in his message, "Dear compatriots! You should know that the Republic of Azerbaijan is the Motherland for all Azerbaijanis living in the world, and you can find here support and reliance. Each Azerbaijani should spare no efforts for the progress of Motherland, to protect our national interests. We have to stand by each other and consolidate our efforts to strengthen our country's sovereignty, for continuation of socio-economic development, fair settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, reliable...protection of the rights and freedoms of our compatriots. Today, therefore, I call on you and invite world Azerbaijanis to consolidation and solidarity, to preserve our national-moral values, to act vigorously for the prosperity of our Motherland and strengthening of our country's international position. I warmly congratulate all of you on the occasion of this landmark holiday, and wish each of you strong health, happiness and successes."

Azerbaijani MPs also appealed to world Azerbaijanis, calling on them to unite for the sake of accomplishing the national aims and interests.

"Dozens of millions of Azerbaijanis around the world are inspired with the idea of unity," the lawmakers said in a letter. "The connection between our diasporas and communities has grown stronger, our compatriots have become supportive of each other to protect national rights and tighten links with their historical homeland."

Ahead of the Solidarity Day, employees of the State Committee for Work with Diaspora paid tribute to the national leader Heydar Aliyev in the Alley of Honor.

"This great holiday was bestowed upon us by the national leader Heydar Aliyev, and all Azerbaijanis mark World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day on December 31," the Committee's chairman, Nazim Ibrahimov, said.

Ibrahimov said the state committee has been functioning for more than ten years. Over the past years, diaspora organizations have achieved great success, demonstrating stronger solidarity, manifested in many ways, he said.

Speaking about future goals, Ibrahimov said that the committee will focus on enhancing the activities of the Azerbaijani diaspora.

"I believe that closer ties will be established between diaspora organizations next year, which means that in the future the Azerbaijani diaspora will become exemplary in the whole world. Many countries in the world want to use the experience of Azerbaijan in this sphere as an example," he added.

World Azerbaijanis started celebration of their holiday from early December this year. Azerbaijanis all over the world have grandly celebrated the solidarity day essentially every day of the month. The events were mostly initiated by Azerbaijani embassies abroad.

About 50 million Azerbaijanis currently live in countries around the world, including Iran (South Azerbaijan), Turkey, Germany, France, Britain, the United States, as well as the Middle East countries. The biggest Azerbaijani diaspora, numbering 1.5 to 2 million people, is in Russia.

Gala concerts, a series of charity events, and receptions have been held over Solidarity Day in a number of cities in Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, the Netherlands, South Africa, the USA, and Canada.

On December 31, 1989, the first ever World Congress of Azerbaijanis opened in Istanbul. This event served as one of the reasons to declare December 31 World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day.