An exhibition within the framework of the project “Cultural Treasures of Azerbaijan – the Pearl of Caucasus” was held in Melouse city of France
Another event was held within the framework of the project “Cultural Treasures of Azerbaijan – the Pearl of Caucasus” with organization support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and assistance by our country’s Embassy in France. At an exhibition arranged in the city of Melouse of the Atlas Region as continuation of the event started last year under the name “Days of Azerbaijan”, wines under 47 names, as well as carpets, samples of copper and pottery products, music instruments and publications by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation talking of our nation’s history, culture and tourism opportunities were displayed.
Addressing the exhibition’s opening ceremony, President of the show Metreao Phillip said Azerbaijan participated in the international exhibition held in Melouse for the first time. Underlining that the exhibition was organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to provide the French with broader information about Azerbaijan, M. Phillip expressed a hope that our country’s cultural values would greatly impress on residents of Melouse, viewers would receive comprehensive information about Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan would, next year too, participate in such a respected event.
Greeting officials of the city of Melouse and participants of the exhibition, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to France Elchin Amirbeyov noted that our country participated in this exhibition due to joint cooperation between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan, and underlined that, with its old history, Azerbaijan has been rich in terms of cultural monuments, and our popular mughams, ashyg music and carpets have been entered by UNESCO on the World Intangible Heritage List.
Mentioning our country’s old wine-making history, the Ambassador noted that wines with Azerbaijani brands were displayed at the exhibition, relations between Azerbaijan and France went back to old times, famous French writer Alexander Duma (father) visited our country during his travel to Caucasus in 1859 and had close conversations with the then well-known Azerbaijani intellectuals, poets and writers.
E.Amirbayov noted that Azerbaijan located at the intersection of the eastern and western cultures, was well known worldwide with its tolerance, has always treated cultures, religions and languages of various ethnic groups with special care.
In his speech, president of Melouse and surrounding settlements Jan Marie Bokel emphasized that Azerbaijan was a tolerant and secular country with high moral values, and noted that his meeting with Azerbaijan’s First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva both in Baku and Paris made great impression on him, and that the Foundation played a significant role in the development of cultural relations between France and Azerbaijan.
The senator has also noted that first parliamentary republic in the Muslim Orient was established in Azerbaijan, even the right to elect and be elected was given to women just in this country much earlier than in Europe, democracy successfully developed in this republic, which regained its independence recently, it was a leading country in the Southern Caucasus, raised its image on an international arena and, in addition to its subsoil resources, was rich in national values.
He also noted that, in the winter session of the European Council’s Parliament Assembly held in the second part of January, while condition of democracy and human rights in Azerbaijan were discussed, a worthy response was given to the speeches of some ill-intentioned forces full of slander and lie against our country. It was mentioned that it is impossible to see development in all areas in Azerbaijan. Located in a tense and difficult region such as the Southern Caucasus, faced with a problem of over one million refugees and IDPs, the care shown by the Azerbaijani state towards different cultures is a true example for other states. The fact that women’s multilateral participation in the society is ensured in this country talks of the richness of its moral values.
Senator Jan-Marie Bokel concluded his speech with these words: “Long Live Azerbaijan! Long Live the French - Azerbaijani Friendship”!
Azerbaijani music was performed and video films about our country were demonstrated at the exhibition.
Tourism opportunities and groceries of over 130 countries were demonstrated at the “Exhibition Park” of the city of Melouse.
