Monument to Azerbaijani hero erected in Netherlands - PHOTOS

A memory of one of the heads of Resistance Movement in Netherlands during the World War II, Azerbaijani Mammad Mammadov under the pen name “Medo”, who was awarded with the highest title “Royal knight”, was immortalized in Holland.

The municipality of Oisterwijk city, where Mammad Mammadov had lived, adopted a decision to erect a monument to the hero, Azerbaijani embassy in the Kingdom of Netherlands said.

The opening ceremony brought together representatives of Netherlands government, Azerbaijani State Committee on Work with Diaspora, delegation of Zagatala executive authority, employees of Azerbaijani embassy in Hague, activists of Azerbaijani Diaspora and members of Mammadov`s family.

The participants watched a film “Medo is in Holland” directed by Tahir Aliyev and scripted Elkhan Alasgarov.

Oisterwijk mayor Hans Janssen said Mammad Mammadov`s life is an example for every citizen of Netherlands. He stressed a role of “Medo” in liberating Holland from fascism and restoration of the country. The mayor told of joint work done with the government of Azerbaijan to perpetuate the memory of “Medo”.

Minister of Integration and Immigration of Netherlands Gerd Leers told of dynamic development of relations between the two countries. He stressed Mammadov`s glorious way as a model of integration of other nations to the Netherlands community. The minister said immortalization of memory of the hero is an important for new generations and expressed his gratitude to the government of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijani ambassador to Netherlands Fuad Isgandarov said his country played an important role in liberating Europe from fascism reminding Mammad Mammadov in Holland, Mehti Huseynzade in Italy and Slovenia, Ahmadiye Jabrailov in France. The ambassador said the postwar life of “Medo” again testifies of active participation of Azerbaijanis in construction of new Europe.

He recalled the meetings of national leader Heydar Aliyev with Azerbaijanis living abroad, who had always recommended being active citizens of the countries, where they live. Isgandarov underlined social integration of Azerbaijanis to the European countries again demonstrates that Azerbaijan is an integral part of Europe. This process gives an impulse to further strengthening of relations with the European partners.

Mayor of Zagatala region of Azerbaijan Mubariz Ahmadzade and Hans Janssen signed Declaration of Friendship between Zagatala and Oisterwijk, which is to serve for developing relations between Azerbaijan and Netherlands.

Minister of Integration and Immigration of Netherlands Gerd Leers and first Deputy Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora Valeh Hajiyev unveiled the monument and put a wreath on it.

The ceremony to the memory of Mammad Mammadov was broadly covered by mass media outlets.
/AzerTAc/