Toespraak door Jan van Zanen bij de viering van de Onafhankelijkheidsdag van Azerbeidjan, 26 mei 2025

Ambassador Mammad Ahmadzada,

Representatives of the Azerbaijan Embassy,

Erik Weststrate,

And honoured guests,

Last week, during the opening of the exhibition “The Splendour of Azerbaijani Carpets” in the Atrium of our City Hall, I was unfortunately unable to attend. Deputy Mayor Saskia Bruines kindly represented me and conveyed my warm regards to you. I am pleased that today, I do have the opportunity to join you in celebrating Azerbaijan’s Independence Day.

The Hague is the International City of Peace and Justice. It is also our nation’s diplomatic capital. As mayor, I greatly value the opportunity to celebrate freedom and independence with nations that share strong and friendly ties with our city and our country.

In 1918, Azerbaijan established the first democratic and secular republic in the Islamic world. This freedom was short-lived, as the country was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1920. It was not until 1991 that Azerbaijan finally regained its independence.

Your country – situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia – has a rich and turbulent history. It also has ancient cultural traditions – such as the exquisite art of carpet weaving. Centuries ago, this art form was already deeply admired in Europe, and it even influenced our own painting traditions. This shared history holds a promise of continued cultural exchange and mutual enrichment, both now and in the future. Let us honour this promise together, and may we continue to celebrate each other’s independence for many years to come.

Thank you.