Alberto Rubio
“The commissioning of the Trans-Adriatic (TAP) and Trans-Anatolian (TANAP) gas pipelines is a manifestation of Azerbaijan’s important role in ensuring European energy security,” Ambassador Ramiz Hasanov said during the reception he hosted to commemorate Azerbaijan’s National Day.
Hasanov assured that energy cooperation plays a very important role in his country’s economic collaboration with the European Union, in which, “along with other areas, Azerbaijan is considered a reliable partner”. He added as an example “the renewal until 2050 of the ‘Contract of the Century’ of 1994, manifested in the signing of the agreement on the joint development of the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli oil fields” in the Caspian Sea, in addition to the implementation of the aforementioned gas pipelines.
Regarding the bilateral diplomatic relations, established on February 11, 1992, Hasanov stated that “Azerbaijan considers Spain as its strategic partner and is interested in further developing collaboration, both bilaterally and within the framework of international organizations”.
For his part, the Director General for North America, Eastern Europe, Asia and the Pacific of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Javier Salido, stressed that “Spain has the will to further deepen its relationship with Azerbaijan”. To this end, he announced that work is already underway for a high-level meeting to take place this year”, in addition to a round of political consultations in Madrid.
Spain, he recalled, “was one of the first countries to recognize its independence and establish diplomatic relations with Azerbaijan”. Salido announced that, on the occasion of this anniversary, the Spanish Embassy is organizing a concert in Baku “that will enhance the importance of this anniversary”.
Hasanov and Salido agreed in underlining the respect of both countries for the territorial integrity of nations. The Spanish diplomat did not miss the opportunity to point out that “Russia’s aggression against Ukraine was an illegal and unprovoked act that violates international law and the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity”. As for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, he added that “Spain has always advocated a negotiated, comprehensive and lasting solution” and welcomed the progress in the negotiation of a peace agreement.
The event was attended by numerous representatives of the Diplomatic Corps accredited in Spain and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as senior officials of companies and institutions and members of the Azerbaijani community in Spain.
Every May 28 Azerbaijan celebrates the proclamation, in 1918, of its Democratic Republic. Although it was only in force for 23 months, it was the first secular and parliamentary multi-party republic in the East that guaranteed women’s suffrage, among other civil and political rights. The ambassador stated that “by regaining its independence in 1991, the Republic of Azerbaijan expressed its commitment to the democratic traditions of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic”.
The evening was enlivened by pianist Elbey Mammadzade, who performed Azerbaijani jazz pieces while the guests were able to taste the specialties of the national cuisine and familiarize themselves with the history, national traditions and tourism potential of Azerbaijan through several documentaries.
