On October 14, Sumgayit State University hosted an online scientific conference on "The Republic of Azerbaijan 1991-2021: restoration of state independence, economic and socio-cultural development."

The conference was attended by professors and teachers of the university, corresponding member of ANAS, director of the Institute of Caucasus Studies Musa Gasimli, professor Hikmet Baba oghlu, head of the department of source studies, historiography and methodology of BSU, professor Anar Isgandarov and well-known historians of the republic.

First, the souls of our martyrs who died for the freedom and territorial integrity of our Motherland were commemorated with a minute of silence.

Opening the conference, the rector of the university, Professor Elkhan Huseynov greeted the guests, spoke about our historic victory, independence and the importance of the conference, and congratulated the participants on the holiday. He noted that October 18, 2021 marks the 30th anniversary of the restoration of state independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan. For the first time since 1991, the people of Azerbaijan celebrate this holiday in a completely different way, as a victorious nation that has restored its territorial integrity. From this point of view, it is important to more accurately express the historically important stages in the history of our statehood, especially the acquisition and restoration of independence in accordance with their essence and content. “1993-2003 will remain in history as the years of stability and development. Because it was in those years that the foundations of statehood were laid, the Azerbaijani state was established, the Constitution of an independent state was adopted in 1995, the ideological foundations of statehood were laid, and today the main ideological slogan of our country is the Azerbaijani ideology. It is these foundations laid by Heydar Aliyev that guide the people of Azerbaijan today”. With these thoughts, President Ilham Aliyev creates a clear picture of the 30-year history of our independent Azerbaijan. Whichever area we focus on, we see development and progress. As Mr. Ilham Aliyev noted, the year we say goodbye is always more successful and memorable than the previous one. This is due to the fact that the necessary steps are being taken to ensure the sustainability of success. It should be noted that President Ilham Aliyev's resolute position to restore our territorial integrity and resolve the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on the basis of international law, his attention and care for army building and development of the military-industrial complex turned into an iron fist in the 44-day war. Thus, Azerbaijan, waging the war of the XXI century, won a historic victory over the enemy, and our native Karabakh was returned to its rightful owners.

Corresponding member of ANAS, MP, director of the Institute of Caucasus Studies Musa Gasimli spoke at the conference on "The main results and prospects of 30 years" and spoke about the importance of Independence Day. He stressed that the Constitutional Act on Independence, adopted 30 years ago, has taken its rightful place on the most glorious page of our history.

Prof. Adil Bakhshaliyev, Dean of the Faculty of History and Geography of SSU, made a report on "Heydar Aliyev's policy in strengthening the state independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan". He noted that with the return of the Great Leader to power in 1993, it was possible to preserve independence, sovereignty and restore socio-political stability in Azerbaijan.

Professor Hikmet Baba oglu's report on "The main priorities of the foreign policy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the achieved results" was heard. He noted that thanks to the successful domestic and foreign policy pursued by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, our independent state, inherited from the great leader, is becoming stronger, the welfare of our people is improving year by year.

Head of the Department of Source Studies, Historiography and Methodology of BSU, MP, Professor Anar Isgandarov made a report on "States defending the rights of Azerbaijan in the 44-day Patriotic War". He noted that the professionalism of the Azerbaijani Army, high discipline in the army, the availability of modern military technology and the ability to use it skillfully had changed the situation in the battles.

Professor Shirkhan Salimov, Head of the Department of History of the Peoples of Azerbaijan and Eastern Europe, SSU, made a report on "Economic and socio-cultural development of the Republic of Azerbaijan." He noted that independent Azerbaijan is a world leader in terms of economic development potential as a result of the wise policy of President Ilham Aliyev based on national interests. Azerbaijan's independent policy, based on the unity of words and deeds, based on its own strength, is rapidly advancing our country, regardless of foreign threats and international conditions, maintaining a dynamic and comprehensive pace of development, strengthening its position in the world.

The participants expressed their deep gratitude to the rector of Sumgayit State University and the organizing committee for organizing the conference on such a topic.

Dean of the Faculty of History and Geography, Professor Adil Bakhshaliyev informed about the further work of the conference. He noted that 154 reports were included in the agenda of the conference. The conference will last for two days in 4 sections.