Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

The Mexican embassy in Baku for the first time celebrated the national holiday of the country – the 205th anniversary of the Independence Day of Mexico on September 16.

The reception was attended by ambassadors of foreign countries, and representatives of the Azerbaijani public.

In the beginning of the event, Mexican expats living in Baku organized a march with the flag of the country, followed by the national anthems of both countries.

It is noteworthy that this was the first time that the orchestra of the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry performed at an event for a foreign diplomatic corps.

Mexican Ambassador Juan Rodrigo Flores Labardini addressed the event, informing guests about the history and international relations of his country.

The ambassador said he was glad to organize such an event in Baku after three months of his arrival in the country, adding that both countries have an ancient and rich history.

He recalled that Mexico decided to open its embassy in the country to develop relations with Azerbaijan, which takes its own place in the international arena, and is the most important country in the region.

“A number of areas are expanding between Azerbaijan and Mexico in order to promote cooperation between the two countries. We are making efforts to open a new page in the history of our relations. Mutual visits promote the deepening of our relations,” he said.

Samad Seyidov, the Chairman of the Azerbaijani Parliamentary Committee for International and Inter-parliamentary Relations, for his part, stressed that the Independence Day of Mexico, held for the first time in Baku is a significant date for Azerbaijan as well.

He said that Azerbaijani-Mexican relations are of great importance, reminding that in Mexico, the Senate adopted a document on the recognition of Khojaly genocide.

There are good prospects for further development of cooperation between the two countries in various spheres, including in inter-parliamentary relations, Seyidov added.

Following the speeches, the guests had an opportunity to get acquainted with samples of Mexican national cuisine tasting such dishes as nachos, tacos, fajitas and its national sweets, while mariachi musicians pleased the guests with their colorful performances.

Mexico recognized Azerbaijan's independence in 1991 and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992.

Azerbaijan's Embassy in Mexico opened in 2006. Diplomatic representation of Mexico was established in Azerbaijan in 2014.

Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the development of relations with Mexico. Relations are actively developing in all directions, including in culture.

In 2012, Mexico hosted the Day of Azerbaijani culture. Earlier this August, Baku hosted the Holidays of Mexico, the event sought to get Azerbaijanis acquainted with the cultural traditions and the national cuisine of Mexico.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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