Poznan opens bas-relief to Azerbaijani official
By Amina Nazarli
A bas-relief to former Polish Prime Minister Ignacy Jan Paderewski and Speaker of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic Parliament (ADR) Alimardan bey Topchubashov has been inaugurated at the Academy of Music in Poznan, Poland.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Rector of the Academy Halina Lorkowska highlighted the life and activities of Ignacy Jan Paderewski and Alimardan bey Topchubashov.
Azerbaijani Ambassador, Hasan Hasanov for his turn, hailed Azerbaijani-Polish relations.
The diplomat said the opening of the bas-relief demonstrates that "the Azerbaijani people never forget their friends."
Ambassador Hasanov and rector Lorkowska cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the bas-relief.
Alimardan bey Topchubashev was born in Tbilisi on May 4, 1863. In early year of his young hood, he entered politics. After taking the post of Minister of Foreign Affairs, he was elected as the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Democratic Republic Parliament and headed the Azerbaijani delegation in the Paris Peace Conference.
Topchubashev held meetings with Clemenceau, Wilson, Francesco Nitti and other outstanding politicians of his time.
He actively participated in many international conferences. Topchubashev always highlighted that the only way out of plight for Azerbaijani people is to gain independence.
His desire was realized in 1991 when Azerbaijan restored its independence.