A ceremony in the city of Cannes within the Days of Azerbaijani Culture
Another ceremony was organized, July 6, in the city of Cannes within the Days of Azerbaijani Culture.
Azerbaijan’s First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva attended the event.
Mehriban Aliyeva addressed the ceremony.
Address by Mehriban Aliyeva:
- Esteemed Mister Mayor!
Respected ladies and gentlemen!
Dear Friends!
I am very pleased to present my country Azerbaijan in Cannes, one of the most beautiful cities of the world.
We have held days of Azerbaijani culture in a number of regions and cities of France. Among them, the city of Cannes has its special place. Cannes is one of the most influential cultural centres of the world, and international festivals, exhibitions, meetings and concerts are held here all year long. With its nature, history and architecture, the city itself is a unique cultural monument. I’m very pleased that Days of Azerbaijani Culture are being held in such a city, and I would like to thank everyone, who has contributed to the preparation of this event, in particular, Mayor of Cannes Mister Brochand and employees of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
Dear Friends, the relations between Azerbaijan and France cover various fields, and year-by-year they become stronger. Sound partnership relations have been established between Paris and Baku in the political, economic, scientific and cultural spheres. Our countries have been keeping partnership relations both directly and through international organizations such as the Council of Europe, OSCE and UN. France is one of the biggest trade partners of Azerbaijan, and over 30 French companies are operating in our country. Our economic cooperation covers the areas like energy sector, telecommunication, transport, town-building, light industry and wine-making. In February of this year, Azerbaijan’s first satellite “Azerspace-1” was launched into the space by “Arian” company of France. Cooperation in this field will be continued in future.
I’m very pleased with the progress in the humanitarian field. Because just humanitarian ideas and culture are the best means to bring nations together. Hundreds of Azerbaijani students study at higher schools of France, and the language and history of Azerbaijani are taught at French universities.
Various exhibitions, concerts and other events devoted to our countries are held both in Baku and Paris. It is by no chance that Louvre, Orsay, Pompidou Centre, the most famous museums of the world, started their the first world tournament of “Plaisirs de France” exhibition from Baku. The state of Azerbaijan participated in creation of the Islamic Culture Department at the Louvre Museum, as well as in restoration of a monument at Versailles Palace, the Cathedral in Strasbourg and other monuments in various regions of France, including Normandy.
I’m sure all these cultural projects bring people and countries closer, make them friends. We are very young as an independent country. Azerbaijan declared its state independence 22 years ago, but Azerbaijan’s history is very old. For centuries Azerbaijan has played the role of a bridge between the East and West, different cultures and civilizations, and these historical processes have left their indelible traces in our country’s cultural heritage and our people’s formation.
Combining the Eastern and Western values, the people of contemporary Azerbaijan remains today loyal to the traditions of tolerance, peacefulness and hospitality. Independent state of Azerbaijan is a secular, rapidly developing and free country open to the world. I’m hopeful you will make yourself familiar with Azerbaijan, its history and culture, and our country will be interesting for you. Taking this opportunity, I’m inviting all of you to Azerbaijan.
At the end of my speech, I would like to note that by a resolution of mayor of the city Mister Brochand I was granted the title of an honoured citizen of the city of Cannes. Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my deep respect and love to you as a new citizen of your nice and matchless city. I would like to once more express my deep gratitude and best wishes to you for your interest shown towards our country.
Thank you for your attention.