A solemn ceremony celebrating Mexico's Independence Day was held in Shusha on September 11, attended by members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan.

Operativ Media reports that the event began with the playing of the national anthems of Mexico and Azerbaijan.

Speaking at the opening of the event, Mexican Ambassador to Azerbaijan Maria Victoria Romero Caballero said that the political dialogue between Azerbaijan and Mexico is expanding, institutional ties are growing, and there is mutual interest in new cooperation opportunities. The ambassador noted that visits of Azerbaijani delegations to Mexico have given a new momentum to bilateral relations.

The diplomat emphasized that both countries are interested in mutually exploring new areas of cooperation. She also noted that two important agreements were reached this year in the fields of diaspora affairs, as well as defense and security.

Maria Victoria Romero Caballero emphasized that economic relations between Azerbaijan and Mexico have strengthened significantly, and there is great potential for expanding trade and investment ties.

The ambassador stressed that Azerbaijan and Mexico possess dynamic economies located in strategically important regions of the world. According to the diplomat, the sides intend to increase investment and trade turnover, including continuing the import of Mexico's most characteristic products to the Azerbaijani market. She noted that the existing potential opens up new opportunities for broader and more effective cooperation.

In his speech, Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, said that Mexico's principled position in supporting Azerbaijan's territorial integrity during the period of occupation is of particular importance.

Hikmet Hajiyev stated that the relations between Azerbaijan and Mexico are based on mutual respect and commitment to the norms and principles of international law.

“When Azerbaijani lands were under occupation, Mexico's fully and resolutely demonstrated position in support of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity was of particular importance,” the presidential assistant emphasized, noting that these very principles form the solid foundation of Azerbaijan-Mexico relations.

Hikmet Hajiyev noted that political consultations and political dialogue between the two countries continue, and the positions of both sides align on a number of issues on the international agenda. He stated that there are great opportunities for developing cooperation between Azerbaijan and Mexico in economic, trade, cultural, humanitarian, and energy fields. Although there is a geographical distance between Azerbaijan and Mexico, this distance does not hinder the development of bilateral relations. Unlocking the existing potential to expand economic and trade ties between the two countries serves the interests of both nations. “Unlocking this rich potential creates opportunities for the benefit of our countries,” the presidential assistant said.

Hikmet Hajiyev also said there are favorable opportunities for developing close cooperation between Azerbaijan and Mexico within international organizations. He pointed out that celebrating Mexico's National Independence Day for the second time in Shusha, the cultural capital of Azerbaijan, lays the foundation for a new tradition in Azerbaijan-Mexico relations. He thanked the Mexican Ambassador to Azerbaijan for this initiative.

“This is already the second time that Mexico's National Independence Day is being held in Shusha, the cultural capital of Azerbaijan. This lays the foundation for a new tradition in our diplomatic practice,” the presidential assistant said. He noted that after the liberation of Azerbaijani lands from occupation, new cities and venues have emerged for diplomatic activities, significantly enriching Azerbaijan's diplomatic geography. Hikmet Hajiyev invited foreign diplomatic missions to join similar initiatives in Shusha and other Azerbaijani cities in the future.

“Shusha is establishing itself as one of the diplomatic capitals, and the celebration of other countries' national days in Shusha is a testament to this,” Hikmet Hajiyev emphasized. He added that Shusha is one of the most visited cities by Azerbaijanis and attracts great interest from foreign guests.

The event then featured performances of Mexican national dances and musical pieces reflecting Azerbaijan's rich musical heritage.

It is worth noting that Shusha, in addition to being the cultural capital of Azerbaijan, has become an important venue for diplomatic meetings and international events. Today's celebration of Mexico's Independence Day here, as well as the organization of events related to the landmark holidays of various countries at different times, is another manifestation of the city's political and diplomatic significance.