Azerbaijan officially celebrates Republic Day on May 28 every year. Since October 15, 2021, this date has been known as "Independence Day."
On May 28, 1918, Azerbaijan established the first secular democratic republic in the Muslim East (ADR) and adopted a Declaration of Independence, which enshrined equal rights for all citizens. Twenty-three months later, the republic ceased to exist as a result of the Bolshevik occupation. Later, in April 1920, Soviet power was established in Azerbaijan.
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in December 1991, Azerbaijan declared itself the legal successor to the ADR, and the country's independence was restored.
Earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Independence Day: "I sincerely congratulate you and the brotherly Azerbaijani people on behalf of my people and myself." It is gratifying to see that the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity between Turkey and Azerbaijan is having a positive impact and promoting cooperation throughout the Turkic world, particularly within the Organization of Turkic States."
The leaders of many countries sent their congratulations. In particular, Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili emphasized the strategic nature of bilateral relations and their development based on historically established ties.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv highly values the strategic nature of its relations with Baku. He thanked Azerbaijan for its humanitarian and energy assistance to Ukraine.
