Brussels, November 12 (AZERTAC). A solemn ceremony on the occasion of opening of the Days of Azerbaijani Culture has been held at the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for the first time at the European parliament`s headquarters.

The event was attended by Europarliament members, officials of EU institutions, government of Belgium, diplomatic corps, representatives of the diaspora.

The event started with opening remarks of Bulgarian MP Yevgeniy Kirilov who provided assistance in organizing the Days of Azerbaijani Culture in the Europarliament. He said the ceremony would provide a forum to get information about Azerbaijan, which has enormous economic potential indeed.

“We are seeking to achieve close cooperation and friendship between Azerbaijan and European Union. We want Azerbaijan to be a close friend and partner for the European Union, which affiliates 27 European countries,” said Vice-President of European Parliament, Czech MP Liber Ruchek

He said this event is another step in this direction.

Azerbaijani ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg, head of the permanent mission to the EU Emin Eyyubov told of President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO goodwill ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva`s efforts to develop education, culture and healthcare. The ambassador read out Mehriban Aliyeva`s message to the meeting participants.

“Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you to the Azerbaijan Cultural Days and have this cultural event honored with your presence. The fact that the European Parliament hosts such an event serves and indication of true goodwill and genuine interest towards the culture of Azerbaijan, the ancient country located on the crossroads of the Western and Eastern civilizations. Through the country`s rich history such a unique geographical position has contributed to the formation of the distinctive socio-cultural environment with ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds to enjoy equal rights and freedoms.

The culture of Azerbaijan is considered one of the ancient cultures in the world, and it comprises various centuries-shaped customs and traditions spread among the peoples residing in the country. These pre-conditions, over the centuries of history, have informed the development of and led to flourishing of philosophy, literature, poetry, architecture, and fine arts, which symbolize material and spiritual cultural heritage of the country. During the event various dimensions of the Azerbaijani culture, such as music, visual arts, craftsmanship, folk dances, and culinary art will be presented to you kind attention, thus providing you, our distinguished audience, with the first-hand knowledge about the cultural diversity that exists in Azerbaijan. It is important to note that all above-mentioned forms of culture constitute the basis of the Azerbaijani identity and play an important role in the lives of the people of Azerbaijan.

In my sincere hope that all these delightful performances and exhibitions will serve you as a trustworthy guide to the Azerbaijani culture, I would like to renew and extend to you my heartfelt appreciation for your continuous and valuable support of the promotion of cultural diversity and tolerance and express my gratitude for your interest in the culture of Azerbaijan. And, so it is my pleasure to cordially invite to visit Azerbaijan to continue the wonderful journey you are about to begin at our event by embarking upon an exciting and rewarding endeavor of discovering and learning more about the exquisite realm of the Azerbaijani culture.

Mehriban Aliyeva

First Lady of Azerbaijan

President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation

UNESCO and ISESCO goodwill ambassador”

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The Days featured a concert featuring folk dances, songs, jazz music as well as exhibition of the national art and cuisine

The Azerbaijan Cultural Days will last until November 13