On September 26, an official reception was held in Baku on the occasion of the Statehood Day of the Czech Republic. Samir Sharifov, Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended as the guest of honor. Milan Sedlaček, the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Azerbaijan, addressed the reception and emphasized that Azerbaijan is an important partner for his country. He noted that Azerbaijan’s strong and sovereign leadership allows it to act independently and earn respect in the international arena.

The ambassador added that this might be his final reception speech after 35 years of diplomatic service. "It is not possible to win in the fight against stupidity, but this fight is worth fighting," Sedlaček stated. He stressed that this struggle should be conducted with responsibility rather than moral superiority, so that society can distinguish truth from illusion. According to him, if this fight is abandoned, civil society will lose the very essence that holds it together. He concluded by underlining the need for a new ethos, not necessarily religious, but one that protects human dignity and common principles.

During the event, Samir Sharifov stated that trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic in 2024 amounted to $1.2 billion. He emphasized that the Czech Republic is an important trade partner for Azerbaijan, noting that in the first eight months of the year, trade turnover had already exceeded $700 million.