France holds Cultural Values of Azerbaijan exhibition

/By AzerNews/

By Amina Nazarli

The grandiose opening of an event titled “Cultural Values of Azerbaijan - the pearl of the Caucasus” co-organized by Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijani Embassy in France was held in Megeve, France on January 17.

Addressing the event, City Mayor Christine Julien Besh informed the guests about Azerbaijan.

She said Azerbaijan located on the shores of the Caspian Sea has been already known as the country of ancient civilization. Azerbaijan is rich not only by its natural resources, but also by its culture, which is at the crossroads of Eastern Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Noting that Azerbaijan regained its independence in 1991, the mayor underlined that relations between Azerbaijan and France are expanding.

“France was the second country to recognize the country’s independence,” Besh said."Numerous friendship groups play significant role between two sides so that our peoples get better acquainted with each other.”

She also underlined the role of Charter of Friendship signed between Azerbaijan’s Gusar region and Megeve.

Besh said the locations of Megeve and Gusar in mountain areas are favorable factors to create the friendship ties.

Besh shared her impressions with the guests about her trip to Azerbaijan, where she closely got acquainted with Gusar region. She underlined the Shahdag complex, meeting modern requirements and not conceding to the European ones.

Shair Alkhasov, Head of the Gusar Executive Power, for his turn said holding of Azerbaijani culture day became a significant event for such a beautiful city as Megeve.

He also talked about friendship relations between the two countries, which existed historically, adding that friendship between Gusar and Megeve aims to contribute to the peace and tranquility on the planet.

The speakers said Azerbaijan is a rich and interesting country, noting rapidly developing ties between the two countries. The country has successfully preserved its independence.

Saying that Azerbaijan is known throughout the world, as well as in France, the speakers said that although a major part of the population is Muslims, the country is a secular and tolerant state. For centuries, the representatives of different nations live with the local population in a friendship and goodwill atmosphere and there has been no problem so far.

The speakers underlined the role of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, thanks to which rich cultural values of Azerbaijan are promoted in France.

Jean-Francois Mancel, a member of the National Assembly said to get better acquainted with any country, we need first to get familiar with its culture and traditions. He urged the French to visit Azerbaijan and attend the first European Games to be held in Baku in June this year.

Ambassador Elchin Amirbeyov, underlined the importance of “Azerbaijani town”, organized in the capital’s square San Sulpice, which was held in September, 2014.

Then, the guests got acquainted with the exhibition “Cultural Values of Azerbaijan - the pearl of the Caucasus”, reflecting the life and creativity of Nizami Ganjavi, the genius national poet.

The pictures by Aliyar Alimirzoyev, reflecting Gusar’s nature were also put on display. The exhibition will last till the end of January.

The guests also enjoyed a show by an Azerbaijani jazz group headed by famous national jazzman Isfar Sarabski. The visitors also got the opportunity to taste delicious dishes of the national cuisine.