Toespraak Jan van Zanen viering Onafhankelijkheidsdag Azerbeidjan 26 mei 2025

Ambassador Mammad Ahmadzada,

Representatives of the Azerbaijan Embassy,

Erik Weststrate (dir. Europa Buza),

Madame Admadzada, welcome to the Netherlands,

And distinguished 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.

I visited the exposition in City Hall – it’s wonderful. I’ll hand you some pictures … and please to all of you: the exhibition can be visited until June 20.

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.