Within the period of last 25 years, Azerbaijan managed to present itself as a country of stability and multicultural society with its independent foreign policy, and as a country of significant international partner contributing to regional development and security.

On the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of Restoration of State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, The Embassy of Azerbaijan hosted a commemorative reception at the Seoul Millennium Hilton on Oct. 31st noon while inviting the Seoul Diplomatic Corps.

▲ Azerbaijan Amb. Ramzi Teymurov (center) introducing World Taekwongdo Federation chairman Choue Chung-won(right) to Jordan Amb. Adel during the function.

Describing past 25 years since its Restoration of State Independence as abovementioned, Azerbaijan Amb. Ramzi Teymurov explained: "Thanks to the determination, courage and outlook of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, who led the country since 1993 till 2003, Azerbaijan managed to get out of many difficult situations and embark on a path of sustainable development". The national development strategy of Azerbaijan which launched by Heydar Aliyev is assessed to be continued successfully by H.E. Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan and today, according to Teymurov.

Although Azerbaijan is also a respected member and reliable partner of the international community, the Amb. pointed out: "I should mention that there are still some obstacles that impede the more vigorous and speedier development of our economy". One and the biggest one of those obstacles is the Armenian aggression against Azerbaijan and its grave consequences on comprehensive development of Azerbaijan and the whole region, argued Teymurov.

▲ Azerbaijan Amb. Teymurov (second from right) standing by U.S. Amb. Mark Lippert (second from left) during the fete.

As regarding mega energy projects, Azerbaijan Amb. Teymurov explained: "Baku-Thilisi-Ceyhan oil and the Baku-Thilisi-Erzurum gas pipelines, the development of the Caspian field of Shah Deniz, as well as the TAP and TANAP projects, have significantly changed not only the economic, but also the geopolitical situation in the region".

Amb. Teymurov added by his speech: "Azerbaijan Government under the leadership of H.E. Ilham Aliyev gives utmost importance to the diversification of country's economy by minimizing the role of oil and gas revenues in economic growth of Azerbaijan with the expense of development of the non-oil sector".