Photo exhibition ‘Azerbaijan Through the Lens of Foreigners’ was launched at the Museum of Modern Art by Heydar Aliyev Foundation and UNDP, 12 July.
The First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva, and her daughters – Leyla Aliyeva, the Vice President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Arzu Aliyeva attended the event.
Leyla Aliyeva delivered a speech at the ceremony.
Speech by Leyla Aliyeva:
- Ladies and gentlemen,
First, I would like to welcome at the Museum of Modern Art those who have come to see and evaluate the beauty of our Baku in different photographs taken by the diplomats having been to our town. This exhibition clearly demonstrates how the diplomats having visited our country see and realize Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is a wonderful and big country in Caucasus with an amazing nature and kind people. The Eastern traditions, rich cultural heritage, magnificent music, Eastern and Western values encounter here.
Today’s exhibition will introduce you historical monuments, religious sanctuaries, remote villages, natural beauty of our country, multistoried buildings in the city and very interesting constructions. I think, this exhibition is an opportunity to confess and value the beauty of our country, all its features that we are grateful to. In this exhibition you will see a number of photographs dedicated to the nature of Azerbaijan. Maybe you are aware, Azerbaijan may feel pride for having 9 of 11 climate zones existing in the world.
We all must preserve nature not in Azerbaijan only, but in the whole world. Taking the opportunity, I want to mention the launch of the youth global environment campaign. This is called IDEA – International Dialogue for Environment Actions. The campaign will bring together thousands of young people from all over the world, to whom the environmental protection is necessary. Also, in 2011-2012, Heydar Aliyev Foundation will closely be working with UN Azerbaijan Office on various environment projects. One of these projects is photo exhibition ‘New Vision On My Environment’, which covers the entire country.
Dear friends, I am honored to mention that for 20 years of our independence Azerbaijan has gained enormous achievements and results. As you see, we have a number of projects, plans and ideas to deal with. I once again express my gratitude to organizers, participants and guests of the exhibition. I know that some of the guests visit our country for the first time. I hope this evening will be interesting for you and you will be pleased of visiting Azerbaijan. Thank you so much and I wish success to all you.