BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 31. December 31 is
celebrated as the International Solidarity Day of Azerbaijanis.
The idea to establish this day was first proposed on December 6,
1991, during a meeting of the Supreme Assembly of Azerbaijan’s
Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, chaired by Heydar Aliyev. It was at
this meeting that the decision was made to create the International
Solidarity Day of Azerbaijanis. To formalize this, the Supreme
Assembly sent a request to the national parliament, the Supreme
Council of Azerbaijan.
On December 25, the Supreme Council, in response to the request,
passed a law declaring December 31 as the International Solidarity
Day of Azerbaijanis.
In 1993, December 31 was officially recognized as World
Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day through a presidential decree.
The First Congress of World Azerbaijanis, held in Baku on
November 9-10, 2001, significantly contributed to strengthening the
national identity of Azerbaijanis abroad. It also boosted the
organization and activities of Azerbaijani communities across the
globe, marking the beginning of a new movement in the country’s
socio-political life and shaping a new direction for state
policy.
On July 5, 2002, the President of Azerbaijan issued a decree
establishing the State Committee for Work with Azerbaijanis Living
Abroad. Later that year, on December 27, the law “On State Policy
Regarding Azerbaijanis Living Abroad” was passed, further advancing
the organizational development of the Azerbaijani diaspora.
Despite his busy schedule, Heydar Aliyev always made time during
his foreign visits to meet with Azerbaijanis, listen to their
concerns, and offer his guidance.
President Ilham Aliyev continues the work of his predecessor in
this area. The 2nd Congress of World Azerbaijanis, held in Baku on
March 16, 2006, marked a significant step forward in turning the
Azerbaijani diaspora into a powerful lobby. It played a crucial
role in raising global awareness of Azerbaijan’s realities.
The First Forum of Leaders of Azerbaijani and Turkish Diaspora
Organizations, held in Baku on March 9, 2007, was a historic event,
underscoring President Ilham Aliyev’s commitment to strengthening
unity among Turkic-speaking peoples.
Today, the consolidation of the Azerbaijani diaspora continues
at an even faster pace. A meeting of the Coordination Council held
at the First Congress of World Azerbaijanis on December 18, 2008,
in Baku, and the adoption of the “World Azerbaijanis Charter” at
this meeting further strengthened unity, reinforced ties with the
homeland, and reaffirmed that independent Azerbaijan is a central
point of attraction for Azerbaijanis around the world.