Bastille Day celebrated in Baku
By Sara Rajabova
France's National Day, Bastille Day, was marked in Azerbaijan's capital city Baku on July 14.
The Embassy of France in Baku organized an official reception to mark Bastille Day.
The event brought together government officials of Azerbaijan, representatives of the diplomatic missions in Baku, as well as public figures.
French Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Pascal Meunier highlighted the history of development of his country, adding great progress has been made in economic and cultural fields.
He also hailed rapidly developing relations between France and Azerbaijan. The diplomat expressed confidence that political and economic relations, as well as cooperation in science, education and culture fields would continue to expand.
Touching upon trade relations between the countries, Meunier stressed the importance of boosting cooperation in relevant sphere. He said reciprocal visits, meetings and talks have created favorable foundation for developing bilateral relations.
Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs Hijran Huseynova conveyed greetings of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to the ambassador. The head of state wished peace and prosperity for the people of France.
Huseynova said the two countries enjoyed relations with deep historical roots. She also spoke about the history of establishment of Azerbaijani-French relations.
She praised development of bilateral cooperation on all fronts, noting that France was one of the main partners of Azerbaijan.
"Reciprocal visits of heads of state of both countries contributed to further development of relations," Huseynova added.
She further touched upon the great services of First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva in development of Azerbaijani-French ties. She said repairing of churches and cultural monuments and holding Azerbaijani Culture Centre in Paris under the organizational support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation were among vivid evidence of these services.
Huseynova also praised successful cooperation in the field of education.
Bastille Day is celebrated on 14 July each year. The French National Day commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution with the storming of Bastille on 14 July 1789, as well as the Fête de la Fédération which celebrated the unity of French people on 14 July 1790. Different celebrations are held throughout France.
Many large-scale public events are held in France including a military parade in Paris. Service men and women from various units, including cadets from military schools, the French Navy and the French Foreign Legion participated in the parade.
Also, the representatives of Azerbaijani armed forces participated for the first time in the annual Bastille Day Military Parade held in Paris. This year the parade also marks the centenary of the First World War.
Servicemen from about 80 world countries marched at this Parade.
Azerbaijan's Finance Minister and Chairman of Azerbaijani-French Economic Commission Samir Sharifov and Azerbaijani ambassador to France Elchin Amirbayov were among the guests of this event.