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Mehriban Aliyeva holds meetings and attends events in Paris as part of Days of Culture of Azerbaijan

20 April 2011 13:42 (UTC +04:00)

On April 18, an exhibition entitled â€œModern works of Azerbaijan - Land of Fireâ€ opened in Paris. The same day, Azerbaijanâ€™s First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva met French Culture Minister Frederic Mitterrand.

Mitterrand said cultural relations between Azerbaijan and France entered a new stage. The Minister recalled a ceremony held in Paris February current year to mark the 20th anniversary of restoration of the independence of Azerbaijan.
Mitterrand underlined the French side put forward an initiative to demonstrate its cultural heritage in Azerbaijan.
President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation said Azerbaijan supports this initiative.
The First Lady underlined as the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation she would spare no efforts for this event to be held successfully.
Mrs. Aliyeva invited Mitterrand to visit Azerbaijan and the latter accepted the invitation.

After the meeting, the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and French Culture Minister viewed the exhibition â€œModern Works of Azerbaijan - Land of Fireâ€.
The exhibition demonstrates works created in the contemporary avant-garde style by prominent Azerbaijani artists Tahir Salahov, Togrul Narimanbayov, Rasim Babayev, Rashad Babayev, Ashraf Murad, Darvin Valibayov, Rashad Valibayov, Mammad Mustafayev, Mirnadir Zeynalov, Altay Sadigzade, Mikayil Abdurrahmanov, Museyib Amirov, Eliyar Alimirzayev, Niyaz Najafov, Aida Mahmudova, Fuad Salayev, Bahram Khalilov, Eldar Mammadov and Fazil Najafov.

On behalf of the Azerbaijanâ€™s First Lady a reception was given for participants of the exhibition.

Azerbaijanâ€™s First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva Tuesday met Director-General of UNESCO Irina Bokova at the UNESCO headquarters.
The Director-General of UNESCO said the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue was held successfully in Baku.
She said Baku had a traditional place in the intercultural dialogue, adding the dialogue was one of main directions of UNESCOâ€™s activity in the world. Bokova specially noted the role of Mrs. Aliyeva in this field.
The Director-General invited the First Lady of Azerbaijan to attend annual meeting of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors in September. President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation accepted the invitation.
Azerbaijanâ€™s First Lady thanked Mrs. Bokova for her support for the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue held in Baku. Mrs. Aliyeva underlined the necessity to bring to life the important decision adopted at the Forum rather than let it remain on paper.
During the meeting, the parties stressed Azerbaijan-UNESCO relations were developing.
Then, an exhibition of Azerbaijani carpets opened at the UNESCO.
The exhibition features rare samples of the Azerbaijani carpet-making art.
The Director-General of UNESCO and Azerbaijanâ€™s First Lady attended the event as well.

The solemn ceremony was opened by the UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova. She praised Mrs. Aliyevaâ€™s close cooperation with UNESCO. The Director-General noted Mehriban Aliyeva has been UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador since 2004.
She also stressed the great contributions that Mrs. Aliyeva made to UNESCO family, noting huge activity of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
The Director-General noted mugham was included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Azerbaijanâ€™s First Lady briefed the event participants on her country.
The UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador underscored that the first Democratic Republic in the East was established in Azerbaijan in 1918, adding Azerbaijan was the first Muslim nation to grant women equal political rights with men.
Mrs. Aliyeva underlined though Azerbaijan faces Armeniaâ€™s aggression, the countryâ€™s economy was developing and great social infrastructure projects were implemented and health centers and schools were built in the country.
Azerbaijanâ€™s First Lady highly praised UNESCO-Azerbaijan cooperation.
She noted mugham, Azerbaijani carpets and Novruz holiday were included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
The UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador highlighted the activity of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
Mrs. Aliyeva also stressed the importance of the joint projects, implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation together with UNESCO.
Then, young talented performers of Azerbaijan gave a concert at the event.

After the concert program, a reception was given on behalf of Mrs. Aliyeva.