Azerbaijan commemorated the sixth anniversary of its Victory Day with a diplomatic gathering in Central Jakarta on Friday, November 6, bringing remembrance, reconstruction and friendship with Indonesia into focus.
Hosted by Ambassador Ramil Abil oglu Rzayev at Des & Dan Artisan Bakery & Restaurant in Gedung Jaya, the reception preceded Azerbaijan’s national observance on November 8. His address combined tributes to those killed in the conflict with a message about regional peace and practical cooperation.
Remembering a Defining Moment
The 44-day war in 2020 ended following a trilateral ceasefire statement signed by Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia on November 10.
In his remarks, Rzayev invited guests to observe a minute of silence and expressed gratitude to veterans. He described the anniversary as a reminder of the Azerbaijani people’s courage, determination and unity.
The ambassador also thanked countries that supported Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, singling out Indonesia.
“We particularly value the longstanding and principled support of the Republic of Indonesia in this regard,” he stated.
Rebuilding Communities, Looking Towards Peace
Reconstruction was a central theme of the ambassador’s address. Under Azerbaijan’s Great Return Programme, he said, towns and villages in Karabakh and East Zangezur were being rebuilt to support the return of displaced Azerbaijanis.
According to figures presented in his speech, more than 300,000 hectares had been cleared of mines and unexploded ordnance, while over 40,000 people had returned to 47 settlements. Nearly 100,000 people now lived, studied and worked in the territories, he added. These figures represent Azerbaijan’s official account.
Rzayev highlighted three international airports, alongside roads, schools, healthcare facilities and renewable-energy projects. Cultural restoration and environmental rehabilitation also formed part of the reconstruction agenda.
“We believe that lasting peace will open new opportunities for regional connectivity, development and prosperity for all countries and peoples of the region,” he stated.
Moving Towards 35 Years of Friendship
Indonesia and Azerbaijan are approaching 35 years of diplomatic relations in 2027. Their fourth bilateral political consultation, held in Baku on October 21, brought together Indonesian Director General Santo Darmosumarto and Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov to discuss the relationship’s next phase.
The broader diplomatic agenda includes trade, investment, transport, tourism, education and humanitarian cooperation. Discussions also encompass coordination through international organisations, including the D-8.
Azerbaijan’s inclusion in that organisation provides another platform for engagement with Indonesia. Its admission was approved at the Cairo summit in December 2024, and full membership was confirmed in 2025, making it the organisation’s ninth member despite the retained D-8 name.
Turning Economic Potential into Projects
Azerbaijani customs figures show bilateral trade reaching US$224.1 million in 2023 and US$255.6 million in 2024, before declining to US$195.3 million in 2025. The fluctuations illustrate why both governments are seeking a broader economic relationship.
During an October 26 meeting in Baku, Indonesian Deputy Investment Minister Todotua Pasaribu and Azerbaijani Deputy Economy Minister Azer Bayramov discussed opportunities in energy, processing industries and infrastructure.
“Azerbaijan’s realised investment in Indonesia remains relatively limited,” Todotua acknowledged. He called for cooperation that moves beyond commodity trade into projects generating added value for both economies.
Friendship Served at the Table
The reception’s setting gave the diplomatic occasion a cultural dimension. Des & Dan combines artisan baking with Azerbaijani culinary influences, offering Jakarta diners an introduction to the country through food.
In his closing remarks, Rzayev thanked the restaurant’s management and staff, particularly “Mr. Alex,” for their hospitality and the opportunity to enjoy traditional Azerbaijani cuisine together.
That shared table offered a personal expression of the relationship: remembrance accompanied by conversation, hospitality and cultural discovery. As the countries approach their next diplomatic milestone, those encounters complement the larger task of turning friendship into lasting cooperation.
