Rome:A concert program was held in Rome to mark the 35th anniversary of the Day of Restoration of Azerbaijan's Independence on October 18.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the event was co-organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Italy and the Cultural Center. It gathered representatives from the diplomatic corps, international organizations, media, cultural, and academic circles, as well as members of the Azerbaijani diaspora residing in Rome.

During the event, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Italy, Elchin Huseynli, spoke about the historical significance of October 18 for Azerbaijan. He emphasized the importance of 1991, when Azerbaijan restored its independence, basing it on the legacy of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which was established on May 28, 1918, as the first secular democratic republic in the Muslim East.

The ambassador also highlighted the challenging journey to independence and credited National Leader Heydar Aliyev and President Ilham Aliyev for modern Azerbaijan's development into a strong and independent nation on the international stage.

Gulnar Taghizada, Deputy Director of the Cultural Center, remarked that music and dance are vital in conveying a nation's history to a wider audience effectively.

The event concluded with a concert titled "The Voice of a Nation," showcasing Azerbaijani classical and folk music and national dances such as "Yalli" and "Jangi." Performers included Madina Shahgaldiyeva on kamancha, Ismayil Zulfugarov on tar, Jafar Hasanov on naghara, and six dancers from the Baku Choreography Academy.