Today, Azerbaijan celebrates the 26th anniversary of the restoration of its state independence.
The Constitutional Act about the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan was adopted at the session of the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan on October 18, 1991.
The document reads that based on the Declaration of Independence adopted by the Azerbaijan’s National Council on 28 May 1918 and on the democratic principles and traditions of the Republic of Azerbaijan and following the Declaration adopted by the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan on 30 August 1991, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan adopts this Constitutional Act and institutes the basic principles of the state, political and economic structure of the independent Republic of Azerbaijan.
A referendum was held in Azerbaijan on December 29. The referendum bulletins asked the voters: “Do you support the Constitutional Act about the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, adopted by the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan?”
The people of Azerbaijan unanimously voted for the state independence.
In May 1992, Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis (Parliament) adopted the national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan (music by composer Uzeyir Hajibeyov, lyrics by poet Ahmad Javad) and later on, the three-color national flag and the national emblem depicting eight-point star with the flames.
Azerbaijan has been celebrating October 18 as a holiday since 1992.
The leaders of numerous countries have congratulated Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the State Independence day.
Acting Head of Russia's Republic of Dagestan Vladimir Vasilyev sent a congratulatory letter to President Aliyev.
"I congratulate you and the friendly people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the State Independence Day. This holiday embodies solidarity, peace and stability in the society, the Azerbaijani people`s loyalty to their traditions of historical unity and determination to revive and strengthen their state.
The Independent Republic of Azerbaijan has made great strides in economic and social fields, improvement of citizens` welfare and become a factor of stability and peace in the Caucasus region in a short period of time. Of course, it is Your Excellency`s well-balanced foreign and domestic policy that lies behind these positive results.
I wish you and all the people of Azerbaijan success in your endeavors, as well as peace, prosperity and welfare."
King of Saudi Arabia Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud also congratulated Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of his country’s state Independence Day.
"Your Excellency, my brother Ilham Heydar oglu Aliyev. On behalf of the people and government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and on my own behalf, I extend my most sincere congratulations to Your Excellency on the occasion of your country's State Independence Day. I wish you the best of health and happiness, and the brotherly people and government of the Republic of Azerbaijan continued development and prosperity. Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration," the letter reads.
President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas congratulated President Aliyev.
"Dear Mr. President, It gives me immense pleasure to convey to Your Excellency, on behalf of the State of Palestine, its people and my own behalf, my warmest congratulations on the occasion of your celebration of the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan. We highly appreciate your unwavering brotherly stance of support with our Palestinian people and their rights in the establishment of our Independent State, as well as strong fraternal bonds that bind our peoples and countries. We reaffirm our infinite satisfaction with the continuation of mutual cooperation for the benefit of our two peoples and common goals. I wish you the best of health, happiness, and success. Please accept my sincerest congratulations," the letter reads.
