Azernews.Az

By Laman Ismayilova

The event entitled "Ganja - European Youth Capital 2016" took place in the Slovenian city of Nova Gorica, Azertac reported.

The event was organized jointly by the Azerbaijani Embassy in Austria, Slovenia and Slovakia.

Initiated by Azerbaijan’s diplomatic mission in Ljubljana, the event was attended by chairman of the Parliament of Slovenia Milan Brglez, mayor of Nova Gorica Matej Archon, Slovenian MPs, representatives of the diplomatic corps and journalists.

The participants observed a minute of silence for Azerbaijanis who heroically died during the liberation of Slovenia from German fascism in the Second World War.

Addressing the event, charge d'Affaires of Azerbaijan in Slovenia Azar Khudiyev stressed “friendly” relations between Azerbaijan and Slovenia. He said that after the Azerbaijani and Slovenian presidents` reciprocal visits relations between the two countries in economic, political, scientific and cultural spheres entered a new stage of development.

Khudiyev pointed out that after the announcement of Ganja the European Youth Capital 2016, thousands of tourists from different countries came to visit this ancient city.

He also noted that a photo reportage by Slovenian photo journalist Maya Modrinyak aroused great interest in Ganja.

Slovenian officials hailed “friendly and fraternal” relations between Azerbaijan and Slovenia.

They highlighted that the announcement of Ganja the Youth capital of Europe this year was yet another testimony of Azerbaijan`s regional development.

“European Youth Capital” project was initiated in 2009 by the European Youth Forum. The aim of the project is to develop cooperation of local and foreign youth organizations, as well as exchange of experience between the national councils of the youth organizations from the European Youth Capitals.

The European Youth Capital is a title awarded to a European city for the period of one year, during which it is given the chance to showcase, through a multi-faceted program, its youth-related cultural, social, political and economic life and development.

Locating some 375 km away from Baku, Ganja is differ from its ancient architectural monuments.

The northeastern foot of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains is a picturesque place which has attracted many people across the centuries. This made the history of the region profound and captivating. Ganja is significant to the politico-economic and cultural life of the country since the earliest of times.

The region is famous for its nature, namely Goygol Lake and reserve. A large mountain lake surrounded by the mountains of the Lesser Caucasus was formed at a result of a devastating earthquake that destroyed the mountain Kapaz in the 12th century.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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