Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), the United Nations represention in Azerbaijan and the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations have signed a memorandum on cooperation in the frame of an international event on intercultural dialogue in Baku.

The second World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, titled "Living together peacefully in a diverse world", started in the Azerbaijani capital on May 29 and will last until June 1.

The forum is being held under the patronage of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The main partners of the forum are UNESCO, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, the Council of Europe, ISESCO and the UN World Tourism Organization.

The forum includes a series of workshops, side-events and special sessions chaired by partner organizations and is attended by the heads of international organizations, current and former presidents of some countries, ministers of over 100 countries from around the world, and experts.

The first Ministerial Conference of the international forum will also be held as part of the event.

Azerbaijani Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfaz Garayev stressed the importance of holding the second World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku during a meeting with UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser on May 29.

Garayev noted that Azerbaijan can be considered as a regional leader in terms of holding significant events in the country.

Garaev said the cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United Nations is gradually expanding and added that the forum is also a significant event in terms of cross-cultural experience.

Al-Nasser also cited the importance of the forum and said that by hosting the event, Azerbaijan contributes to the work of the UN.

Meeting with French MPs on the sidelines of the forum, Garayev spoke of Azerbaijan's cooperation with France in the tourism sector, saying Azerbaijan is willing to have a major inflow of French tourists to the country.

"I think Azerbaijan is attractive for French tourists. We are therefore ready for any cooperation," Garayev said.

Moreover, he noted, Azerbaijan and France may implement cultural projects. Alexandre Dumas readers traveling in Azerbaijan may be acquainted with his Caucasus journey's route.

In accordance with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's decree issued in May 2011, the Forum is held once every two years in Baku by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The Forum workshops cover such themes as "How to build the world's future together", "How to muster popular support for cultural diversity", "Supporting intercultural activities", "Tourism as a key driver of mutual understanding and tolerance among cultures" and "Intercultural dialogue through faith and science".