MALAYSIA-AZERBAIJAN TIES CLOSER NOW, SAYS ENVOY

KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 (Bernama) -- The embassy of Azerbaijan was established
here only three years ago but during that short period, the country has managed
to establish a closer relationship with Malaysia.

Its envoy, Tahir Karimov, said that these bilateral relations would be
further enhanced, noting that the scope of cooperation between the two countries
had already been broadened since the embassy was established in 2007.

"I believe that the relations existing between our countries will be further
developed and strengthened for the benefit and prosperity of our nations," he
told Bernama at the 92nd anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan
Democratic Republic (ADR) here recently.

Malaysian Deputy Foreign Minister Lee Chee Leong was the guest of
honour at the event where guests were entertained by Azerbaijani national dances
and treated to delicacies of the country’s cuisine.

Among the guests were a small community of Azerbaijanis living in Malaysia
and Singapore. Azerbaijan commenced diplomatic relations with Malaysia in
1993.

According to an embassy statement, ADR was established in 1918 and was the
first democratic and secular republic in the Muslim world.

Among its key achievements were granting women the right to vote, the
establishment of Baku State University and the adoption of the modern national
symbols of Azerbaijan, including its tri-colour-flag.

However, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic of 1918 lasted only 23 short
months. In 1920 the country was invaded by the Soviet Union but Azerbaijan
subsequently regained its independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in
1991.

-- BERNAMA