This year, May 28 marks the 103rd anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. On May 28, 1918, the independence of Azerbaijan was declared. Alimardan bey Topchubashov, Mammadamin Rasulzade, Fatali khan Khoyski, Hasan bey Aghayev, Nasib bey Yusifbeyli, Samad bey Mehmandarov, Aliagha Shikhlinski, and others had great merits in the creation and activity of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first democratic state in the East. The names of these prominent political leaders, patriotic intellectuals, and professional servicemen have been forever engraved in the memory of our people. After the restoration of Azerbaijan's independence, this holiday is celebrated with great solemnity in our country every year. Despite operating for only 23 months, the measures taken during the first republic were important in terms of establishing the foundations of our independent statehood and determining the future direction of development. The establishment of democratic rights and freedoms, recognition of equal rights of all citizens regardless of ethnic and religious affiliation, giving women the right to vote even before many European countries, declaring the Azerbaijani language the state language, paying special attention to the development of education and culture, the establishment of the National army and security structures clearly characterize the scale, essence, and meaning of the policy pursued by the government of the Republic. After the collapse of the Soviet Empire in 1991, the people of Azerbaijan established an independent Azerbaijan state based on the traditions of the Democratic Republic. Under the leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, our state independence was restored. Today, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the process of building a democratic, legal, secular state and civil society in the Republic of Azerbaijan continues successfully. These successes are reflected in all aspects of our lives. The liberation of our lands from the enemy under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev in the Second Garabagh War, our victory in the war, and the surrender of Armenia are natural consequences of our achievements.