Solemn ceremony dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the restoration of Azerbaijan`s state independence held in Vatican
Solemn ceremony dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the restoration of Azerbaijan`s state independence was held in Vatican at the initiative of Heydar Aliyev Foundation and due to support of Azerbaijan’s Embassy to Vatican, November 29.
First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva attended the ceremony.
Prior to the ceremony, Mrs. Aliyeva met with President of the Pontifical Council for Culture Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi.
Recalling his visit to Azerbaijan and acquaintance with Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mr. Ravasi highlighted the importance of the project realized by Azerbaijan in the Vatican Apostolic Library. The project allowed restoring 15 out of 42 manuscripts on Azerbaijan.
The First Lady of Azerbaijan hailed close cooperation between Azerbaijan and Vatican. She praised Vatican`s role in the joint projects implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and expressed confidence on further expansion of these ties.
The sides exchanged keepsakes.
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Following the meeting, Azerbaijan`s First Lady and President of the Pontifical Council for Culture familiarized themselves with the exhibition featuring photos and videos of Baku`s ancient and current look, cultural monuments, Azerbaijan`s rich cultural heritage. The exhibition featured ancient works of coppersmith, musical instruments as well.
The Cardinal was provided with detailed information about unique samples of Azerbaijani carpets that were on display in the exhibition. The exhibition of unique Azerbaijani carpets, particularly those from Garabagh, left a rich impression on visitors.
The visitors also viewed works presented in the Maiden Tower Festival, held for the second consecutive year, and reflecting the impressions of artists from different countries on Maiden Tower, the symbol of Baku. The work titled “Maiden Tower” by Italian artist Alberto Lorro caused great interest among the visitors.
Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva also viewed manuscripts in the Apostolic Library restored involving Azerbaijani scholars as well.
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A solemn ceremony followed later. The host of the ceremony stressed that Italy has got a chance to discover the country that it did not know so well before. Noting the high-level relations between Azerbaijan and Vatican, the host said such a solemn ceremony held by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation is arranged in Italy for the first time.
In his address to the ceremony, President of the Pontifical Council for Culture of Vatican Cardinal Gianfranco RAVASI described Azerbaijan as a country, which attaches great importance to intercultural dialogue. The Cardinal noted that a small Catholic community in Azerbaijan has been provided with good conditions. He said there is a true tolerance in Azerbaijan and expressed his deep respect for Azerbaijan.
Mrs. Mehriban ALIYEVA greeted the participants and conveyed them best regards noting it was gratifying that one of the events marking the 20th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s independence is held in Vatican.
Talking about achievements Azerbaijan has made over the last 20 years, the First Lady briefed the guests of the ceremony on the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Daghlig Garabagh conflict. M.Aliyeva noted that this conflict has uprooted over 1 million Azerbaijanis from their lands and historical and cultural monuments in Garabagh have been completely destroyed as a result. Despite this, Azerbaijan stands for peaceful resolution of the conflict based on international law.
Stressing the growing economic and political influence of Azerbaijan, Mrs. Aliyeva said Azerbaijan is the active initiator and participant of all large projects implemented in the region. “Despite all these difficulties, Azerbaijan has proved its place on a world map as a fast developing state. Azerbaijan accounts for 75% of economy of South Caucasus and participates and also initiates large-scale projects in the region and social problems are addressed in a consistent manner in the country. Suffice it to say that the poverty rate has dropped from 49% to 9% over the last eight years, over 900,000 jobs have been created and over 2,000 new schools have been built and renovated. The stable development of our economy allows us to pursue truly independent policy and today Azerbaijan is deeply involved in global processes aimed at preserving international peace and stability. Azerbaijan is seen as a strategic partner by leading countries of the world.”
The President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation also recalled the visit of Pope John Paul II to Azerbaijan in 2002.
The First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva made a speech in the ceremony.
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Later on, the Gara Garayev Azerbaijan State Chamber Orchestra conducted by People’s Artist Teymur Goychayev played selected pieces of Azerbaijani and world music.
The guests were offered samples of rich Azerbaijani cuisine following the concert.
