Another day of Azerbaijani culture in France
By Nigar Orujova
Days of Azerbaijani Culture are being held in French city La Rochelle, located on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, to promote Azerbaijan in France within the project "Cultural Treasures of Azerbaijan - the Pearl of Caucasus", with organizational support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and assistance by Azerbaijan's Embassy in France.
The event started with the inauguration of an exhibition reflecting Azerbaijani history and cultural values.
City Mayor Maxim Bono said that acquaintance with cultural treasures of Azerbaijan being displayed at the exhibition has played a significant role in informing city residents of this country, of which they had little knowledge.
Mentioning that Jean-Jacque Drapone deputy from the Poitou Charente region of France attended the opening of the exhibition, Maxim Bono noted that Drapone had made a trip to Azerbaijan within the delegation comprised of members of the France-Azerbaijan friendship group at the National Assembly. Drapone had rich and pleasant impressions of the country, and just due to his endeavors the exhibition and concert was organized in La Rochelle.
Bono underlined the significance of building ties between our countries, noted the importance of cooperation in the sphere of education and other fields.
Noting that the exhibits displayed at the exhibition were talking of the diversity of culture, Bono characterized the Days of Azerbaijan in La Rochelle as a sign of the cooperation and friendship between Azerbaijan and France, and said friendship between the two nations has turned into reality.
Bringing to attention that the objective of the exhibition and concert was to better promote the Azerbaijani culture, Ambassador Elchin Amirbayov thanked Azerbaijan's First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva, who has played a special role in holding the Days of Azerbaijan to promote our country's culture in various regions and provinces of France.
Mentioning that the exhibition and concert within the project "Cultural Treasures of Azerbaijan - the Pearl of Caucasus" started to be held since October last year, Amirbayov said La Rochelle is the tenth city, where Days of Azerbaijan are held. He informed that such events will continue to be held until July, and number of the cities to be held Days of Azerbaijan will reach the number of 19.
The Ambassador said relations between Azerbaijan and France have widened in all areas, including culture, and days of culture, various exhibitions, festivals and concerts are organized regularly in connection with Azerbaijan in the capital of France.
Azerbaijani ancient carpets, carpet-bags, samples of copperware and pottery, garments and other exhibits have aroused great interest. Visitors were distributed books and brochures related to Azerbaijan's history, culture, and art.
After the exhibition, a concert by "Mugham" Instrumental Ensemble and the State Dance Group led by People's Artist Afag Malikova was performed.