Celebrating Azerbaijan's Heritage and Alliance: A Memorable National Day at Washington's Meridian House
By C. Naseer Ahmad
Azerbaijan's National Day and Armed Forces Day were celebrated with grace and distinction at the renowned Meridian House in Washington, DC, on May 28, 2025. The occasion was graced by His Excellency Mr Khazar Ibrahim, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States. In his address, Ambassador Ibrahim placed emphasis on the historical significance of the day, recalling that 107 years prior, Azerbaijan established the first Muslim Democratic Republic in the world.
The distinguished gathering included several notable dignitaries, such as Mr Tommy Joyce, Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of International Affairs at the US Department of Energy, Lieutenant Commander Kamran Tahirbayli, Acting Defense, Military, Naval, and Air Attaché of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States, and Brigadier General Colby B. Wyatt, Director of the Joint Staff of the Oklahoma National Guard. Each speaker underscored various facets of the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and the United States.
Ambassador Ibrahim eloquently highlighted a compelling detail: Azerbaijan National Day was simultaneously being celebrated in the liberated city of Lachin, with the presence of President Ilham Aliyev, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye, and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, underscoring the occasion's international significance.
His remarks paid homage to Azeri pioneers like Fatali Khan Iskandar Khan oghlu Khoyski, who ignited the desire for independence, and Heydar Aliyev, who pursued strong ties with NATO by initially engaging with the Partnership for Peace Framework Document in 1994 and advancing Azerbaijan’s international relations. His quote on the relationship with the United States exemplified these efforts: "The relations of Azerbaijan with the United States are important as we need to learn the Western democracy, culture, achievements... to use and apply them in Azerbaijan.”
Ambassador Ibrahim has been instrumental in fostering robust ties between Azerbaijan and the United States, forming connections with key political figures, business icons, and thought leaders. A celebrated member of Washington's Cosmos Club, he even participated in an international chess tournament recently where his team triumphed over London's Royal Automobile Club.
Sharing his diplomatic journey is his talented wife, Mrs Zumrud Ibrahim. The Washington Diplomat, in its July 3, 2024, issue, lauded her for her nuanced contributions, stating: “Zumrud Ibrahim, the wife of Azerbaijani Ambassador Khazar Ibrahim, epitomizes diplomacy by seamlessly blending elements from cuisine to decor and fostering connections with fellow diplomatic spouses.”
Meanwhile, at the Lachin celebration, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, quoted by Dunya News, extended heartfelt congratulations to Azerbaijan, highlighting President Aliyev's visionary leadership that led to the liberation of Karabakh after three decades. PM Shehbaz emphasized the deep bond shared by Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Türkiye, saying, “From two hearts in one body, we have become three.”
For over 65 years, Meridian House in Washington, DC, has been a hub for global leaders and innovators to share ideas and forge partnerships, underscoring its role as America's gateway to the world. By hosting Azerbaijan’s National Day celebration there, the embassy beautifully intertwined history with diplomacy, creating a memorable event that reflected the enduring spirit of international cooperation.
