Baku, September 9, AZERTAC

Another charity event "Eid Gifts & Qurbani Ceremony" has been organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan-Pakistan Youth Forum on behalf of first lady of Azerbaijan, president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva for the orphan children of Anjuman Faiz-ul-Islam, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

The event participants included Pakistani Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Muhammad Baligh-ur-Rehman, President of Anjuman Faizul Islam Mian Muhammad Siddique, President of Azerbaijan-Pakistan Youth Forum and Goodwill Ambassador of Sweet Homes Mohammad Asif Noor, as well as public and political figures, senators, media representatives, employees of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Pakistan and children living in orphanages.

Addressing the event Muhammad Baligh-ur-Rehman described Pakistan and Azerbaijan as strategic partners in promotion of education, science and technology. He said bilateral relations between the two countries were strengthening day by day. "Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize Azerbaijan's independence and unequivocally supported Azerbaijan in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The two countries were partners in promoting peace and development with togetherness, brotherhood and deep understanding of each other through dialogue and partnership," he added.

Mian Muhammad Siddique shed light on the work of Anjuman Faizul Islam as currently the orphan house is providing boarding, lodging and school facility to the students from different parts of the country. Mian Muhammad Siddique thanked Mehriban Aliyeva for her generosity and efforts for supporting the children.

Muhammad Asif Noor called for bridging gaps between Pakistan and Azerbaijan through taking various steps in enhancing partnership. He said that Azerbaijan had been a great friend of Pakistan and Mehriban Aliyeva “had always been generous and strived for bringing smile on the faces of the needy and the underprivileged”.

Ambassador of Azerbaijan Ali Alizade greeted participants and children on behalf of the first lady and people of Azerbaijan on Eid al-Adha.

He spoke about the deep friendly ties between the two countries and shared values of two nations that bring the Muslims of Azerbaijan and Pakistan together. Ali Alizade briefed the participants of the event on activities of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in Azerbaijan and other countries. He noted that the foundation had implemented a number of healthcare, education and humanitarian projects in all districts of Pakistan as well.

He acknowledged efforts of Mian Muhammad Siddique, and Mohammad Asif Noor for their tireless support to all initiatives of the Heydar Aliyev foundation in Pakistan.

Children of Anjuman Faizul Islam on the occasion enthralled the audience with wonderful performances and a cultural show. At the end the gifts were distributed amongst the children.

The event was widely covered by Pakistani TV channels, "Radio Pakistan" news service, "Associated Press Pakistan", "Pakistan observer", "Pakistan in the world", "Times of Islamabad" news agencies and web sites.