3rd Congress of World Azerbaijanis kicks off in Baku

The 3rd Congress of World Azerbaijanis gets underway at the Heydar Aliyev Palace in Baku.

The event started with a minute silence for national leader Heydar Aliyev who played an invaluable role in uniting the world Azerbaijanis around common goals and the idea of Azerbaijanism.

Speakers at the event stressed the importance of the fact that the Congress coincided with the 20th anniversary of Azerbaijan`s state independence.
The first Congress, held in 2009 in accordance with instructions of national leader Heydar Aliyev, played a historic role in organizing and developing the Azerbaijani diaspora movement.

The second Congress took place in 2006 in accordance with an executive order of President Ilham Aliyev, and marked a new stage in the development of Azerbaijan`s national diaspora. Over 100 diaspora organizations have been established since the second Congress.

Some 579 out of 600 delegates from 42 countries as well as 211 people from 30 countries are attending the 3rd Congress as guests.

Most of the delegates and guests, 155 people, came from Russia, while Turkey is represented by 101 people, Ukraine is represented by 49 people, Germany is represented by 41 people, the USA is represented by 28 people, Sweden is represented by 23 people, the Netherlands is represented by 21 people, Israel is represented by 17 people, Uzbekistan is represented by 13 people, France is represented by 12 people, the United Kingdom is represented by 11 people, and Canada is represented by 10 people.

The Congress brings together a total of 1,872 people, including 182 heads of Azerbaijani communities and associations abroad, and 37 parliamentarians from 13 countries.

The Congress is covered by 37 foreign journalists from 21 countries and 163 local journalists. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made a speech at the event.


/AzerTAc/