Day of National Security Authorities of Azerbaijan (28/03)

Professional holiday — National Security Authorities Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan — is celebrated in the country annually on March 28. It was established by Decree of the President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev dated March 23, 1997.

The date March 28 was chosen due to the fact that in 1919 the foundation of the state security agencies of the Azerbaijan People's Republic was laid — on this day an intelligence and counterintelligence department was created in the Republic.

After the establishment of Soviet power in the country in 1920 and the creation of the Azerbaijan Socialist Soviet Republic, the national security agencies of Azerbaijan came under the patronage of the Cheka under the Council of People's Commissars of the RSFSR, and later the KGB of the USSR. After the collapse of the USSR and Azerbaijan gained independence in 1991, the national security body of the republic was again recreated as an independent unit.

The Ministry of National Security (MNS) of the Republic of Azerbaijan has become the central executive body exercising the powers established by the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the field of intelligence and counterintelligence activities, protection of state secrets, detection, prevention and prevention of crimes.

On December 14, 2015, by decree of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the Ministry of National Security reorganized — on its basis the State Security Service and the Foreign Intelligence Service were created, which today are entrusted with all of the above tasks and powers.

Traditionally, on their professional holiday, employees of the national security agencies of Azerbaijan traditionally receive congratulations from the country's leadership and department, and the most distinguished are awarded state awards and certificates, extraordinary military ranks, memorable gifts and thanks from the command.

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