By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Seoul hosted a reception to mark the 107th independence anniversary at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul on May 20, 2025.

Delivering welcoming speech, Ambassador Ramin Hasanov of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Seoul said, “Azerbaijan's engagement and leadership have secured its strategic role at the cross between Europe and Asia. Azerbaijan has also undergone a successful political and economic growth, becoming a pivotal actor of international affairs. Azerbaijan also ended the long-lasted conflict with Armenia.”

Noting that Azerbaijan successfully hosted the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP 29) last year, Ambassador Hasanov said, “Azerbaijan is also a loyal supporter and active promoter of multilateralism in the world while demonstrating leadership in addressing global affairs. We are now playing a central role in global climate action.”

He also said, “We are equally mindful of the shared challenges that face all of us--climate change, global health, economic uncertainty and the pursuit of the more just and equitable world.”

Stressing that Korea is a key partner and sent a high-level delegation to COP29 and co-signed climate-related documents, he said, “Our cultural exchanges and mutual respect will continue to deepen.”

Delivering congratulatory remarks, Kweon Ki-hwan, Deputy Minister for Multilateral and Global Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, “Korea and Azerbaijan have continued to enhance cooperation in an array of areas for more than three decades. Since the establishment of our diplomatic relations in 1992, our collaboration spats a wide range of fields, including trade, education, ICT, health and culture.”

Deputy Minister Kweon said, “I'm glad to note that Azerbaijan people's interest in the Korean language and culture has been growing in recent years, fostering deeper people to people through TVs and cultural understanding. Our friendship has been further strengthened through high level exchanges that underscore our mutual commitment to deepening bilateral ties.”

Over 300 guests, including a large number of foreign ambassadors, senior diplomats, high-ranking Korean and foreign government officials, business leaders, and their spouses attended the event filled with great fervor and festivity.