Rome hosts 20th anniversary of restoration of Azerbaijan`s independence
Baku, December 3 (AZERTAC). A ceremony to mark the 20th anniversary of restoration of Azerbaijan`s independence was held Friday in Rome, Italy.
The event was attended by Azerbaijan`s First Lady, president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva and vice-president of the Foundation, Leyla Aliyeva.
The ceremony was co-organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijan`s Embassy in Italy.
Before the ceremony, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva met secretary of state of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy Mrs. Marta Dassu.
Azerbaijan`s First Lady expressed satisfaction with the fact that Rome hosts a ceremony to mark the 20th anniversary of restoration of her country. Mrs. Aliyeva praised the rapidly developing relationship between Azerbaijan and Italy. The First Lady noted her purpose was to popularize Azerbaijan`s cultural heritage across the world. She also added such meetings would give impetus to development of relations.
Mrs. Aliyeva recalled her meeting with Italy`s president Giorgio Napolitano, saying they discussed some important issues. She also pointed out Azerbaijan and Italy were bound by close friendly relationship. Mrs. Aliyeva also added bilateral relations would expand even more.
Mrs. Marta Dassu expressed satisfaction with the fact that in her new post she held her first meeting with Azerbaijan`s First Lady. She said Azerbaijan and Italy should have close relations in all spheres. Mrs. Dassu also underscored the necessity of expansion of economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries. She also underlined the importance of the projects being implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
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Following the meeting, Mehriban Aliyeva and Marta Dassu viewed an exhibition of Azerbaijani national carpets.
The exhibition of unique Azerbaijani carpets, particularly those from Garabagh, left a deep impression on visitors.
The visitors also viewed works presented in the Maiden Tower Festival, held for the second consecutive year, and reflecting the impressions of artists from different countries on Maiden Tower, the symbol of Baku.
The exhibition also saw presentation of Italian version of “Azerbaijan” edition, books and booklets featuring Azerbaijani history and culture published by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
Then the ceremony started.
Secretary of state of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy Mrs. Marta Dassu and Azerbaijan`s first lady Mehriban Aliyev made speeches at the ceremony.