To conduct peace negotiations with confidence, one must posses a strong army.
Heydar Aliyev
President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva attended the solemn ceremony devoted to the 20th anniversary of restoration of Azerbaijan’s independence in Rome
A solemn ceremony dedicated to the 20th anniversary of restoration by the Republic of Azerbaijan of its independence was held in Rome, December 2.
Azerbaijan`s First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva and Vice President of the Foundation Leyla Aliyeva attended the event initiated by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation due to support of Azerbaijan`s Embassy to Italy.
Before the ceremony, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva met with Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy Mrs. Marta Dassu.
Azerbaijan`s First Lady expressed satisfaction with the fact that Rome hosts a ceremony to mark the 20th anniversary of the restoration of her country’s state independence. Mrs. Aliyeva praised the rapidly developing relationship between Azerbaijan and Italy. The First Lady noted her purpose is to popularize Azerbaijan`s cultural heritage across the world. She also added such meetings will give impetus to development of relations.
Mrs. Aliyeva recalled her meeting with Italy`s President Giorgio Napolitano, saying they discussed some important issues. She also pointed out Azerbaijan and Italy were bound by close friendly relationship. M.Aliyeva also added bilateral relations will expand even more.
Mrs. Marta Dassu expressed satisfaction with the fact that in her new post she held her first meeting with Azerbaijan`s First Lady. She said Azerbaijan and Italy should have close relations in all spheres. Mrs. Dassu also underscored the necessity of expansion of economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
She said she is aware of Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva’s biography and underlined the importance of the projects being implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
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Following the meeting, Mehriban Aliyeva and Marta Dassu viewed an exhibition of Azerbaijani national carpets. The exhibition of unique Azerbaijani carpets, particularly those from Garabagh, the historical land of Azerbaijan, left a deep impression on visitors. The carpet-weaving school is rapidly developing in Azerbaijan. Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the greatest protector of the Azerbaijani culture, implements projects to contribute to this development.
The exhibition featured ancient works of coppersmith and musical instruments as well.
The visitors also viewed 20 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 exhibition also saw presentation of Italian version of publication “Azerbaijan”, books and booklets featuring Azerbaijani history and culture published by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The publication includes over 1000 pictures providing detailed information on Azerbaijan`s history, culture, traditions, ethnographic characteristics and present day.
Then the solemn ceremony started.
Addressing the ceremony, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy Mrs. Marta Dassu expressed honor for participating in the event dedicated to an anniversary very important for Azerbaijan and highly valued the contributions Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva gives to the promotion of Azerbaijani culture in the globe.
The First Lady of Azerbaijan 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, Isfar Sarabsky and “Natig ritm grupu” presented a concert.
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After the concert, the participants tasted the patterns of the Azerbaijani cuisine.
Azerbaijan’s beauty and rich culture left deep impressions on Italians in the event held on the initiative of First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and Heydar Aliyev Foundation she heads.
