Today, July 9, marks the professional holiday of diplomatic service employees in Azerbaijan.
Established by a decree of President Ilham Aliyev dated August 24, 2007, this holiday commemorates July 9, 1919, when the first official instruction regarding the Secretariat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was received.
Azerbaijani diplomacy began to take shape during the Republic period, and international relations expanded following the de facto recognition of the country's independence in 1920. Although independent foreign policy activities were halted during the Soviet era, after the restoration of state independence in 1991, Azerbaijani diplomacy entered a new phase of development.
Since 1993, the foreign policy course set by national leader Heydar Aliyev has been successfully continued by President Ilham Aliyev. Azerbaijan's international influence has strengthened, and the country plays an active role in regional and global processes. As a result of the foreign policy implemented by President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan's territorial integrity has been restored, and international support for the reconstruction of Karabakh has increased.
Currently, Azerbaijan maintains 70 embassies abroad, 6 permanent representations to international organizations, 9 consulates general, one representative office, and 7 embassy offices.