A solemn ceremony of opening the Days of Russian Culture in Azerbaijan was held at the Baku Heydar Aliyev Palace on the 12th of June.

Audience gathered at the Palace greeted President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva with warm cheers.

Addressing the ceremony, Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan Polad Bulbul oglu first expressed deep gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for taking the time to attend the opening of the Days of Russian Culture in Azerbaijan. Sincerely greeting the Russian guests, the Minister congratulated them on the occasion of the national Holiday of the Russian Federation. He said in particular: we are very happy to continue our cultural traditions - Azerbaijan and Russia present their art to each other from year to year. During President Ilham Aliyev’s February visit to Russia, the agreement of declaration 2005 as Year of Azerbaijan in Russia, and 2006 as Year of Russia in Azerbaijan was reached at the highest level. I am confident that these years of art will be held successfully and promote our further rapprochement.

In his turn, Minister of Culture and Mass Communications of Russia Alexander Sokolov said addressing President of Azerbaijan Republic and the participants of the even that he is “happy to be at this beautiful palace today”. He further said: “today we have signed an agreement, concrete documents opening the XXI century. This means we are entering absolutely new phase of our interstate communication.

Afterward, masters of art of the Russian Federation gave a gala concert.

With the concert completed, President of Azerbaijan Republic Ilham Aliyev with his spouse Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva met the concert participants in the wings. The Head of State thanked the Russian artists for the “beautiful evening” and pointed to enthusiastic applauds of the Baku audience.

In conclusion, President Ilham Aliyev and the concert participants have taken photograph in memory of the event.