Nargiz Pashayeva: Lord Fraser was a true friend of Azerbaijan
By Nigar Orujova
A commemoration evening for Lord Fraser, the late co-chair of the Anglo-Azerbaijani Society, was held last week in London and attended by the Azerbaijani co-chair of the organization, Nargiz Pashayeva.
Rt. Hon. Lord Fraser of Carmyllie became chairman of the society in 2000 and was indefatigable in supporting contacts and good relations between Azerbaijan and the UK. Lord Fraser passed away at the age of 68 on June 22, 2013.
The commemoration event, organized by the society with the support of Azerbaijan's embassy in the UK, was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps and Azerbaijani organizations operating in the UK.
In his opening remarks, Honorary Secretary of the Society, Dr. Kenneth Forrest, spoke about the life of Lord Fraser and his efforts in the society.
Speakers noted the remarkable achievements of Lord Fraser in conveying the realities about Azerbaijan to the UK public, the increase in the number of Azerbaijan's friends in the UK, as well as the development of relations between the two countries. Lord Fraser's support for young Azerbaijani musicians was highlighted as well.
Prof. Nargiz Pashayeva said Lord Fraser was a true friend of Azerbaijan.
While serving as the organization's co-chair he made a great contribution to the development of the cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries and people.
Pashayeva regarded Lord Fraser's last visit to Baku as true heroism.
"The memory of Lord Fraser will live on in our hearts, we will continue the traditions enshrined by him at the basis of our society," she said.
According to Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK Fakhraddin Gurbanov, the relationship, which began in the framework of cooperation, has turned into a true friendship. Young people in both Azerbaijan and the UK were particularly fond of Lord Fraser.
Lord Fraser held senior positions in Scotland and England and was the author of the most important projects in the framework of co-chairing the Anglo-Azerbaijani Society.
For his merits in developing the relations between the two countries, Lord Fraser was honored with the Azerbaijani Dostlug (Friendship) award assigned by a presidential order in 2011.
Jamie Fraser, son of Lord Fraser, shared memories about his father. He said his father was very fond of Azerbaijan and willingly shared his impressions about the country.
Fraser thanked the organizers of the commemoration event. Highly appreciating the establishment of a foundation in the memory of Lord Fraser under the society, Fraser expressed confidence that it will benefit the young people of Azerbaijan and the UK.
The Anglo-Azerbaijani Society decided to establish this memorial fund to promote the development of the creative potential of talented young people from the two countries who are in need of assistance, especially in music.
The evening was followed by a concert, which included performances by such young artists as Sophie Sneddon, Gill Simpson, Gunel Mirzayeva, Nigar Mirzayeva, Vera Khait, Nazrin Rashidova, Stanislav Hvartchilkov, Jeyla Seyidova, and the first women's Orchestra of Great Britain, Fe Musa. The concert featured works by Azerbaijani and foreign composers.
The Anglo-Azerbaijani Society, a non-political organization established in 1997 and funded by corporate sponsors and members, is a principal organization drawing together the cultural, charitable and other links between Azerbaijan and the UK.