Irvine: A festive event dedicated to the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and the New Year was held in the city of Irvine, California, United States. The celebration, organized by the California Azerbaijan Friendship Association with the support of the Consulate General of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles, brought together up to 200 compatriots living in Southern California, representatives of friendly communities, and Americans representing various organizations.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the event was attended by Azerbaijan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States, Khazar Ibrahim, the Consul General in Los Angeles, Vugar Gurbanov, as well as leaders of Azerbaijani and friendly Turkic community organizations. The program opened with the performance of the national anthems of Azerbaijan and the United States by the children's choir operating under the Consulate General.
In her remarks, the President of the California Azerbaijan Friendship Association, Sevil Farajova, highlighted the significance of the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day, congratulated the guests on the New Year, and spoke about the Association's activities throughout the year focused on community building, promoting Azerbaijani culture, and instilling national values in the younger generation. Ambassador Khazar Ibrahim congratulated the guests on the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and the New Year, emphasizing that Azerbaijan has continued to grow stronger in 2025 under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, and underscored the importance of the historic August 8 summit meeting in Washington. As a token of appreciation, he presented gifts to students who are successfully continuing their education.
Consul General Vugar Gurbanov congratulated compatriots gathered for the celebration, thanked the community for preserving Azerbaijani culture and maintaining strong ties with the homeland even while living abroad, and emphasized that the event served as a practical embodiment of the line from the national anthem, 'S?n? min bir m?h?bb?t, sin?md? tutmus m?kan' ('A thousand and one loves for you, you have found a place in my heart'). Following the speeches, the children's dance ensemble operating under the Consulate General performed the traditional 'Yalli' dance, symbolizing national unity and solidarity.
Professional dancers Leman Musayeva and Anar Allahverdiyev presented various dances. Azerbaijani musicians residing in California, Emin Karimi, Aydin Shateryan, Farida Buyuran, Ali Tolga, Amin Mahini, and Mali Sadiqi, performed folk and dance music. Guests also enjoyed food from Azerbaijani national cuisine. Additionally, an Azerbaijani-origin artist living in California showcased their artwork, and an exhibition featuring businesses of Azerbaijani entrepreneurs was organized as part of the event.