Message from the ambassador
Welcome to the Embassy of Azerbaijan in London! It is an ultimate honour for me to represent the people and the Republic of Azerbaijan in such a fascinating and vibrant country as the United Kingdom.
On May 28, 1918, independent Azerbaijan emerged as the first parliamentary republic in the Muslim world. It was crushed in 1920 by the Bolshevik invasion, yet during its short existence the country became the symbol of the Azerbaijani identity and the nation’s aspirations. In 1918, Azerbaijan gave equal rights to all its citizens regardless of their ethnicity, religious affiliation or gender. Today, the citizens of Azerbaijan, which restored its statehood in 1991, are proud of this heritage and the progress made by the nation since regaining independence.
Over the last three decades, Azerbaijan, led by President Ilham Aliyev, has emerged as a reliable partner, a key member of major international initiatives and a recognized regional leader.
In 2020, Azerbaijan has fulfilled the U.N. Security Council Resolutions and upheld international law by ending the three decades-long illegal occupation of Azerbaijan’s territories by Armenia. After long years of forced exile, hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons can finally return to their homes. Azerbaijan promotes inclusive regional cooperation to ensure prosperity, sustainable growth and lasting peace in the South Caucasus.
Recognizing Azerbaijan’s approach to international affairs based on respect for international law and positive, mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries, an overwhelming number of United Nations member-states elected Azerbaijan to serve as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2012-13. In 2019, Azerbaijan was chosen to chair the Non-Alignment Movement, the largest international group after the U.N. As the NAM chair, Azerbaijan initiated UN General Assembly’s first ever Special Session on COVID-19 and has championed equitable distribution of vaccines globally.
In November 2024, Azerbaijan, as the host nation of COP29, brings the largest global climate action conference to the Caspian region for the first time. COP29 is a crucial milestone in the effort to match ambitions with the resources needed to address the urgent challenge of climate change. Azerbaijan is working closely with the Commonwealth to ensure that Small Island Developing States, which are facing imminent threats, are represented at the table and their views are heard.
Standing at the crossroads of cultures and civilizations, Azerbaijan, a crucial juncture along the ancient Silk Road, is home to an inclusive society proud of its diversity. From the alpine peaks and deep canyons of the Caucasus Mountains to the subtropical forests of Lankaran to the shores of the Caspian Sea, the unique variety of Azerbaijan’s nature continues to inspire its poets and musicians – heirs to the heritage of the great Nizami Ganjavi and masters of the mysterious music of Mugham.
Baku, Azerbaijan’s amazing capital combines both the nation’s ancient history and her quest for the future in an energetic vibrancy, which makes the city a top tourist destination and a beating heart of the wider Caspian region. The UNESCO - recognized site of the Old City is right next to the unique 9 miles-long Caspian Sea-side Promenade and the route of the Formula 1 Baku City Circuit, voted by fans as the most exciting race of the competition.
Come visit Azerbaijan! Enjoy our nature, listen to our music, taste our cuisine and, most importantly, build new friendships and meet our people.
Azerbaijan offers great promise and we invite our friends to come experience it. As you learn more about our country, all of us at the Embassy stand ready to assist with your needs.
We look forward to seeing you in Azerbaijan!
Elin Suleymanov
