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May 13, 2013

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation participated in restoration of 7 churches dating back to the 10th to 12th centuries at the Orne department of France

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s cultural diplomacy has been playing a significant role in promotion of Azerbaijan in France. These words have been said by Nathalie Goulet, a senator elected from Orne department of France, at meetings held at churches restored by practical support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.


The woman-senator noted that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, which has supported the restoration works related to two monuments in Versailles castles of France and a cathedral in the centre of Strasbourg, is well-know to the country society and its charitable actions are highly appreciated. The Foundation has taken another mentionable humanitarian action in France. The Foundation has participated in restoration of 7 churches dating back to the 10th to 12th centuries at the Orne department of the country and provided certain aid to the restoration works along with local organizations.


Having participated in the opening ceremony of the “Heydar Aliyev Foundation” boards fixed to the churches in Saint-Hilaire, Fresnaye-au-Sauvage, Saint-Hilaire-la-Gérard, Tanville Courgeoût, Réveillon and Mâle settlements, where the Heydar Aliyev Foundation carried out restoration works, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to France Elchin Amirbayov, Senator Nathalie Goulet and other guests met with heads of local executive authorities and residents.


Local officials highly appreciated the restoration works carried out by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation on facades of 7 churches of the Orne department and thanked Azerbaijan’s First Lady, President of the Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva.

Ambassador Elchin Amirbayov said: “Azerbaijan attaches special significance to cooperation with France and friendly relations between the two nations develop” and cited the signing of a document on   brotherhood between Le Grais city of France and Naftalan city of Azerbaijan as an example. He mentioned the participation of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in restoration of several historical monuments in France, underlined the significance of continuing joint partnership in preservation of monuments belonging to the world, and said Days of Azerbaijan will be held in the city of Le Grais within the project “Treasures of Azerbaijan – the Pearl of the Caucasus” with organizational support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and assistance by the Embassy.


Senator Nathalie Goulet mentioned that Azerbaijan and France are close friends, back in the World War II Azerbaijanis fought against German fascists in the Resistance movement shoulder-to-shoulder with French people and that a monument was erected in Rodes in honour of Azerbaijanis fallen in the battles for liberation of France.


Mentioning that with high and multilateral cultural values, Azerbaijan’s mugham music  was entered UNESCO’s non-material cultural heritage, the senator noted that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s cultural diplomacy played a significant role in Azerbaijan’s promotion in France and that exhibitions and concerts associated with the Days of Azerbaijan were held in 13 cities of France within the project “Cultural Treasures of Azerbaijan – the Pearl of the Caucasus” with organizational support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and assistance by Azerbaijan’s Embassy in France.


Ambassador Elchin Amirbayov, Senator Natalie Gaullet and mayors unveiled boards with the words “Heydar Aliyev Foundation” fixed on facades of the churches, where restoration works were done. 


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