An official reception dedicated to the 28 May – Independence Day and Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan was held at the Trump-Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States.

The event was attended by senior U.S. government officials, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in the United States, more than 100 military attachés, members of the public, and representatives of the Azerbaijani-American community. The reception began with the national anthems of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the United States, performed by the Seven Beauties Music Ensemble.

In his remarks, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the United States Khazar Ibrahim noted that this year's Independence Day celebration carries special significance as it takes place on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States. Ambassador emphasized that the relations between Azerbaijan and the United States have officially been elevated to the level of a strategic partnership. Recalling that President Ilham Aliyev visited Washington, D.C. twice over the past year, Ambassador Ibrahim noted that bilateral relations have entered a new phase following President Trump's re-election. Ambassador expressed confidence that the strategic cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United States, which spans a wide range of areas, will continue to deepen in the years ahead.

Sonata Coulter, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, congratulated the people and government of Azerbaijan on behalf of the U.S. Government on the occasion of Independence Day. She highlighted that this year's celebration coincides with a historic period in U.S.-Azerbaijan relations. According to Deputy Assistant Secretary Coulter, the bilateral ties between the two countries have advanced significantly over the past year. She noted that the signing of the Strategic Partnership Charter during Vice President Vance's visit to Azerbaijan provided a new momentum for strengthening relations and elevating them to an unprecedented level. Sonata Coulter also announced that the first U.S.-Azerbaijan Economic Dialogue will be held in Baku next week, describing it as an important milestone in implementing the shared vision reflected in the Strategic Partnership Charter. The State Department representative also commended Azerbaijan's efforts to achieve lasting peace in the South Caucasus.

In his remarks, Lieutenant Commander Kamran Tahirbayli, Acting Defense, Military, Naval and Air Attaché of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States, stated that Azerbaijan highly values its partnership with the United States and that over the years this relationship has evolved into a strong strategic cooperation in the fields of defense, security, and regional stability. Lieutenant Commander highlighted the enduring partnership between the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan and the Oklahoma National Guard, noting that it is built on joint training, mutual trust, and friendship. According to Lieutenant Commander Tahirbayli, through this cooperation, two countries contribute to strengthening security, promoting stability, and advancing collaboration based on shared interests. Lieutenant Commander also expressed gratitude for U.S. efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

Andrew Loomis, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War, noted that Azerbaijan is located in a region of significant geostrategic importance and is regarded by the United States as an important partner. Deputy Assistant Secretary Loomis emphasized that the military cooperation between the two countries has a long history and that Azerbaijan served side by side with the United States for more than two decades and was among the last countries to leave Afghanistan. Deputy Assistant Secretary added that professional military education programs, regional exercises, and the relationships built among military personnel continue to strengthen the partnership.

Brigadier General Colby Wyatt of the Oklahoma National Guard recalled the historic meeting held at the White House in August of last year. Brigadier General Wyatt noted that shortly thereafter, the U.S. President signed the determination suspending the application of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, enabling the restoration of the State Partnership Program between Oklahoma and Azerbaijan. Brigadier General stated that several joint activities have been conducted since then and expressed confidence that cooperation will soon return to its previous level in the coming years. Brigadier General also emphasized that the complete repeal of Section 907 by the U.S. Congress would create additional opportunities for further strengthening bilateral ties.

The event also featured proclamations issued by several U.S. states and cities in honor of  28 May – Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

During the reception, Ambassador Ibrahim presented a special plaque to Dr. Shahpoor Ansari, a prominent representative of the Azerbaijani diaspora, in recognition of his contributions to strengthening relations between Azerbaijan and the United States.

As part of the program, the Seven Beauties Music Ensemble premiered the musical composition “God Bless America,” dedicated to the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The reception concluded with a cultural program featuring live music performed by the ensemble, accompanied by a selection of traditional Azerbaijani cuisine. The Trump-Kennedy Center was also illuminated in the colors of the Azerbaijani national flag.