Another event was held in the city of Cognac of France within the framework of the project “Cultural Values of Azerbaijan – the Pearl of Caucasus”

An event was held, on November 5^th, in connection with Days of Azerbaijan in the city of Cognac of France within the framework of the project “Cultural Values of Azerbaijan – the Pearl of Caucasus” with support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Embassy of Azerbaijan in France.

Addressing the opening of an exhibition organized at the city’s art and history museum and a concert at the Salamander hall, head of the municipal department Michel Gourinchas noted that such cultural events were very important in terms of promoting a country that organized it. From this standpoint, due to the exhibition and the concert devoted to Azerbaijan, residents of Cognac will have a chance to get comprehensive information about this country with old history and rich culture. On the other hand, cultural events are one of the principal stimuli to establishing and  developing relations between countries.

Recalling his visit to Baku in September of the current year, participation in the first wine festival held in Ganja and meetings at the Minstries of Agriculture and Economic Development, the Mayor talked about the great impression of our country, highly assessed the steps made towards cooperation  between France and Azerbaijan and informed of the city, which has been the homeland of the famous French cognac.

Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to France Elchin Amirbeyov underlined the special project with organization support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation aimed to promote our country in Europe, including France, a country considered to be the cradle of the world culture. First step under this project was made in France. And this is not without a reason. France has been a significant partner of Azerbaijan in economic and other spheres. France is one of the countries that recognized Azerbaijan’s independence first.

Noting that Azerbaijan has been interested in cooperation with France in various spheres, the Ambassador recalled President Ilham Aliyev’s meeting with French President François Hollande at Elyse Palace on September 18 and participation of both heads of states in the opening of the Islamic Art Department at the Louvre Museum.

Ambassador E.Amirbeyov specifically emphasized the development of relations between Azerbaijan and France in all spheres, including culture, noted that Jeyhun Hajibeyov, brother of great Azerbaijani composer Uzeir Hajibeyov, was chief editor of printed in France newspaper “Caucasus”, Umbulbanu Asadullayeva lived in Paris and wrote novels and essays in French under the pseudonym of “Banin”.

Talking of Azerbaijan’s being the leader state in the South Caucasus, the Ambassador told that a State Program was adopted under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev in connection of social and economic development of regions in 2004 – 2008, investments in large amounts have been made into the infrastructure projects being implemented in the regions, one million eight hundred thousand new job created and the non-oil sector given more attention.

The Ambassador talked of Azerbaijan’s being a tolerant country, which regained its state independence in 1991, and said that language, religion and culture of minorities  are treated with respect, their development is taken care of by the state, and invited residents of Cognac to our republic in order for them to get to closely know our history, culture, art and rich cuisine.

At the end of the event, jazz music was sounded and mughams performed by masters of art.

Residents of the city of Cognac were distributed the “Baku” magazine, of which chief editor is Leyla Aliyeva, magazines “Irs” printed in French, other books and brochures reflecting our country’s history, cultural values and tourism opportunities.

After the event, Jacque Gabrielle, a resident of Cognac, said his impressions of the exhibition: “I had heard Azerbaijan’s being a country with rich oil and gas resources. I could not imagine that this country had such an old history and rich culture. Carpets being displayed at the exhibition talks of Azerbaijan’s old history. I’ve got many carpets, including Tabriz carpets. But they are not as good as yours. I don’t find words to express my amazement at garments for men and women, domestic items made of clay. Having familiarized ourselves with this exhibition, I and my wife have decided to visit your country, which is for us a little bit magical and reminding Oriental fairy tales.”