Tehran, December 28 (AZERTAC). Azerbaijan`s effective international integration policy is yielding notable results. Quickly strengthening its positions on international organizations the country is interested in establishment of relations with all peaceful and progressive organizations. The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is one of the structures where also Azerbaijan is represented.

Director of the ECO Cultural Institute (ECI) Hojatullah Ayyubi in his interview to AZERTAC correspondent speaks of the role of Azerbaijan at ECO.

- Mr. Ayyubi, what can you say about prospects of the Institute you supervise?

- Prior to speaking about the prospects, it will be perhaps right to mark the works done. My life is mostly connected with culture. I am specialized in this sphere and try to apply scientific ideas I have in my thought. I realize there are a lot of difficulties and they will be further. There is no way back. I call the geography of ECO as a “Land of Sun”. As the genius men of this geographic territory have sparkled as a Sun on the world culture with their brilliant works. In the past years, art exhibitions were arranged in Afghanistan and Tajikistan. The next such action will be in the Republic of Kyrgyzstan. Besides, we have organized an exhibition in Georgia, non-member of ECO, and exhibition of the Ukrainian artists in Tehran. A “Weak of ECO” was organized in Georgia. Already, the renowned artists representing eight ECO member countries were rewarded with special prize of our Institute. In near future we are going to organize an exhibition of the Azerbaijani artists. Worthy representatives of your country will get the next awards. This is also one of the preparatory actions for the summit of ECO heads of state due in Azerbaijan in 2012. Prior to the Summit, we can produce a book of the works of Azerbaijani artists who received award. We also intend to organize sports events on numerous kinds of sport among the ECO member countries. Along with this, we shall conduct joint concerts of famous musicians of the member countries. Let the works of classics of every country be performed again and the winners be awarded. Let our symphonic masterpieces sound in the European countries.

- Please, tell us about your relations with other international organizations?

- ECO Cultural Institute has an observer status in UNESCO. I think, cooperation with this authoritative organization will boost confidence in our Institute.

- How do you consider Azerbaijan`s role and place in the organization?

- I have studied in Europe and lived there for long years. I had an opportunity to visit Azerbaijan last year. Azerbaijan develops rapidly. Iran`s Cultural week was held here during our visit. A Mugham group accompanied me. The performances raised great interest of the people. Baku is like Venice of East in terms of cultural development. Europe knows me as a festival man. Annual festivals are being organized in all cities of Europe, so culture develops steadily there. I wish to see Baku`s hosting ECO`s annual music festivals. Azerbaijan has great experience and potential to organize international music festivals. Ten ECO members are the single family in the history of the Eastern culture. Nizami, Movlana, Sadi and other coryphaeuses made contributions to the whole world. There were no border in their creative activity. I was a student when European Union was established. Media representatives held public opinion poll on establishment of such organization. One public figure said that the main thing is to establish unions which can find ways to the people`s heart. Our main goal is to create the formula of the cultural union with no political goals, which can find the way to hears of members` peoples. We have to let ECO member states` cultural officials know about the mentioned ideas. For example, Azerbaijani, or Iranian, or Kyrgyz musician sing folk songs of ECO member states, or joint symphony orchestra of member countries performs in the concerts.