Azerbaijan holds Days of Moldavian Culture
By Jamila Babayeva
Azerbaijan hosted the Days of Moldavian Culture, which included several interesting cultural events, on April 28-May 1.
The event's opening ceremony took place in the State Philharmonic Hall after Muslim Magomayev in Baku on April 29.
A Moldovan delegation, headed by Culture Minister Monica Babuc, was present at the event.
Speaking at the opening ceremony Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfas Garayev said during the states' period of independence, the Days of Culture was held for the fourth time, which reflected the high fraternal and friendly relations between the two nations.
Babuc, in turn, expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan's hospitality and warm welcome, and noted that a number of events within the Days were aimed at promoting national traditions and customs abroad the country, and strengthening cultural ties and bilateral cooperation.
Former Moldovian President Peter Luchinski, former Latvian President Vaira Vike Freiberga, former Estonian President Arnold Ruutel, ranking public figures, representatives of culture and art, heads of diplomatic missions, and representatives of the Moldavian diaspora attended the ceremony.
The event continued with a performance of an ensemble of folk music and "Fluerash" dance by Stefanet brothers and choreographer Yuri Bivol.
Within the Days, Azerbaijani and Moldavian culture ministers held a bilateral meeting, and discussed opportunities to strength dialogue and cooperation on culture and realize joint cultural projects.
One of the interesting events within the Days was a photo exhibition called "Moldova: Land and People" by Moldavian art maestro Mihai Potirniche who is the author of 38 personal exhibitions in the country and abroad.
The opening ceremony of the exhibition took place in Gallery 1969 on April 30.
Speaking at the ceremony, Garayev said Potirniche is a master who is well known abroad.
"Potirniche's exhibitions took place in several European countries. We are glad that his arts are presented in Azerbaijan," he stressed.
At the event, it was noted that ties between Azerbaijani and Moldavian artists got a new impetus in recent years. Last year, four Azerbaijani artists worked on their arts in Moldova, while Moldavian artists worked in Azerbaijan. These works are now at picture galleries in Azerbaijan and Moldova.
Babuc, in turn, said Culture Days are an opportunity to get more acquainted with culture and art and build the future through cultural exchanges between the two countries.
"We hope that today's event will serve as a basis for continuing the relationship of intercultural exchange between the two countries," she noted.
Potirniche presented his best arts in Baku, and spoke about the photographs displayed in the exposition.
"I am glad that I had the opportunity to bring a piece of our land to Azerbaijan," he said.
The Days continued in Sumgayit on April 30, and again an ensemble of folk music and "Fluerash" dance by the brothers Stefanet and choreographer Yuri Bivol was performed at the stage of the Sumgayit State Musical Dramatic Theatre.
Within the Days, a concert of ethno-jazz group "Trigon" headed by Anatol Stefanet took place in the State Song Theatre named after Rashid Behbudov in Baku. Famous artist Valie Bogyana also took part in it.
The Moldavian delegation acquainted themselves with Azerbaijan's cultural centers by visiting the National Art Museum, International Mugham Center, the Musical Theatre, the Heydar Aliyev Center, the Museum of Modern Art, and Icheri Sheher.