BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 18. The bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Serbia have developed into a strategic partnership, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Azerbaijan Dragan Vladisavljević said on February 18 during a reception on the occasion of the Statehood Day of the Republic of Serbia and Serbian Armed Forces Day, Trend reports.
“This national holiday has been established as a remembrance of two momentous events in modern history of Serbia, which occurred on the same day – February 15. The first historic event that we mark today is a heroic deed of our ancestors who started an armed struggle for state independence and liberation from foreign governance in 1804. The second event refers to February 15, 1835, a day when Serbia adopted its first Constitution, one of the most liberal constitutions in Europe at that time, which provided, almost two centuries ago, for the separation of powers and guaranties for fundamental human rights,” he said.
Vladisavljević pointed out that pursuing its freedom-loving and nation-building traditions, the Republic of Serbia has developed into a successful, modern and dynamic European country, which lives at peace with others and stands ready to cultivate friendship and cooperation with all peoples, states and cultures.
“In recognition of its progress and good reputation, our country has been elected a proud host of the EXPO 2027 Specialized Exhibition which will take place in Belgrade in two years’ time. This important international event will also serve as a strong impetus for the overall development of the country, its industrialization and infrastructural development. Unfortunately, present-day Serbia also faces various challenges and problems, the most difficult of which is, undoubtedly, the one related to separatism and threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country in Kosovo and Metohija.
Even though we confront all those challenges with dialogue and peaceful means, striving to preserve peace and stability, the fact is that an important guarantor of the country’s sovereignty and independence is its military, which is why Serbia has invested significant efforts and funds in creating a modern, organized and well-equipped army. Today, in addition to our National Day, we also celebrate Serbian Armed Forces Day, honouring our brave army that has been a safeguard of our freedom and progress, in peace and wartime, for two centuries now,” said the ambassador.
Vladisavljević noted that besides a mighty army and stable economy, another pillar of Serbia’s independence and foreign policy is certainly a range of friendships and bridges of cooperation that it has managed to develop.
“The most valuable are, certainly, those friendships that stand the test of time and circumstances, such as our relationship with Azerbaijan, based on similar historical backgrounds and complete mutual understanding in terms of key challenges that we are confronting. Since their establishment, 28 years ago, our bilateral relations have developed into a strategic partnership, with full coordination in terms of foreign policy actions and issues of mutual interest.
During the last couple of years, we saw significant boost in our political activities, mutual visits and contacts between high officials, as well as a huge boost in our bilateral economic ties and trade turnover. All in all, I believe that we will celebrate each following Statehood Day of the Republic of Serbia pleased with even more intensive and substantial cooperation and friendship with the Republic of Azerbaijan. To conclude with, I would like to make a toast to my homeland, wishing it constant peace and development, success and strength and as many as possible precious and sincere friends such as Azerbaijan. In that spirit - long live Serbia and long live the eternal friendship between Serbia and Azerbaijan!” he concluded.