UAE embassy in Baku marks Independence Day
By Sara Rajabova
The United Arab Emirates embassy in Azerbaijan organized an official reception ceremony to celebrate its Independence Day in Baku.
The Independence Day, which is a public holiday, is celebrated on December 2 in the UAE for two or more days.
It marks the UAE's formal nationalization from the British Protectorate Treaties which ended on December 1, 1971, and the eventual, federal unification of the seven emirates in 1971 which combined to form the modern-day country.
The event started with playing the national anthems of both countries, after which Ambassador of UAE to Azerbaijan Salem Khalifa Mohammed Al Gafli spoke about the history of the country`s Independence Day.
Referring to the Azerbaijan-UAE relations, the diplomat said ties are based on mutual respect, brotherhood, and a common history, particularly the Islamic heritage.
The ambassador praised economic cooperation between the two countries and expressed confidence that Azerbaijani-UAE bonds would develop further.
Azerbaijan`s Economy and Industry Minister Shahin Mustafayev congratulated the UAE people on behalf of President Ilham Aliyev.
Mustafayev praised the role of reciprocal visits in terms of boosting cooperation between the two countries, adding President Aliyev`s official visit to UAE in 2006 marked a new stage in the development of bilateral relationship.
Mustafayev also said more than 20 documents were signed between Azerbaijan and UAE.
The event brought together state and government officials, MPs, and representatives of the society.
Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and the UAE were established on September 1992.
Azerbaijan and the UAE are cooperating within the framework of the UN, the Islamic Conference Organization, and other influential regional and international organizations. The UAE supports Azerbaijan's fair position regarding the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.