Solemn ceremony ‘Azerbaijan Evening’ was held in Moscow on the 20th anniversary of the restoration of Azerbaijan’s independence, 17 May. Organized in the State Kremlin Palace by the Azerbaijan Embassy to Russia at the initiative of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the event was attended by Mehriban Aliyeva, Azerbaijan’s First Lady, President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO, MP, and Svetlana Medvedeva, the First Lady of Russia.

First Lady of Russia Svetlana Medvedeva met Azerbaijan’s First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva in the State Kremlin Palace.

The first ladies saw exhibition ‘Carl Faberge and Masters of Stone Carving. Gemstone Treasure of Russia’, where they saw masterpieces by Carl Faberge. The world-famous jeweler Faberge was born in St Petersburg in 1846. Faberge Jewelry House got popularity thanks to original jewels made for the family of the Russian czar.

M.Aliyeva and S.Medvedeva viewed works by Faberge’s eminent contemporaries making jewels for the Imperial Yard, also works by Ural handicraftsmen, the works created at the Emperor, Yekaterinburg, Petergof and Kolyvan lapidary factories.

The First Lady of Azerbaijan signed the guest book.

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Presentation of book ‘Azerbaijan’ in Russian language took place in frame of the ‘Azerbaijan Evening’. The publication, one of the most successful projects of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, includes over 1000 pictures providing detailed information on Azerbaijan`s history, culture, traditions, ethnographic characteristics and present day.

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The ceremony was continued by the exhibition of over 80 Azerbaijan carpets, including carpets of Garabagh, the historical land of Azerbaijan. The carpet-weaving school is rapidly developing in Azerbaijan. Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the greatest protector of the Azerbaijani culture, implements projects to contribute to this development.

Then, solemn ceremony ‘Azerbaijan Evening’ dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the restoration of Azerbaijan’s independence started. Renowned Russian TV host Vladimir Molchanov mentioned the importance of the event, congratulated Eurovision-2011 winners Eldar Gasymov and Nigar Jamal, the representatives of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan’s First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva addressed the event. ‘First, let me welcome you at the evening of Azerbaijan and express my gratitude for being with us. I would like to thank spouse of the Russian President Svetlana Medvedeva for participation in the evening. Taking the advantage of this tribune, I would like to voice a deep gratitude to all those who voted for the Azerbaijani duet at the Eurovision Song Contest. Nowadays, we all in Azerbaijan experience feelings that are too deep for words. This is a feeling of pride of this victory, our youth and our country. I am sure Russian people have experienced similar feelings a few years ago, when Russia won the same glorious victory in this contest. Many thanks to Russia for the first 12 points’, Mrs Aliyeva said.

‘The history of Azerbaijani statehood has very ancient roots’, she said, adding ‘People speaking different languages and professing different faiths lived in peace and harmony in Azerbaijan’.

M.Aliyeva noted the first democratic parliamentary republic in the Muslim East was proclaimed in Azerbaijan, first opera and ballet in the Muslim world were created here, mentioned achievements in the oil industry in Soviet Union, Azerbaijan’s unique contribution to the victory over fascism.

Touching upon Russia-Azerbaijan relations, the First Lady of Azerbaijan said Azerbaijan still keeps education process in the Russian language in the secondary and higher education institutions. The Russian Drama Theatre, Slavic University and the Baku branch of M.V.Lomonosov Moscow State University operate in the country.

‘A joint Russian-Azerbaijani humanitarian forum was organized in Azerbaijan last year. An international humanitarian forum is expected to be organized together with Russia this year’, Mehriban Aliyeva said.

M.Aliyeva stressed that cultural diversity is traditional for the Azerbaijani people that possesses an ancient history and rich culture. She noted Azerbaijan has been existing on the world map as an independent country only for 20 years. ‘We have made great achievements during this short period of time. The pace of Azerbaijan’s economic development is officially recognized as a record. The country has successfully implemented large-scale projects, policy pursued in Azerbaijan has a pronounced social character, 900,000 new jobs have been opened, poverty ratio was reduced, the country constructs new health centers and hospitals, restores theaters, museums and parks. Suffice it to say that it is expected to open six five-star hotels in Baku in 2011’, she underlined.

Informing of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Daghlig Garabagh conflict, Mehriban Aliyeva stressed Azerbaijan hopes that the conflict will soon be solved in the framework of the international law and territorial integrity of our country will be restored. ‘Today, our rich cultural heritage is the country’s hallmark’, Mrs Aliyeva underlined, inviting everyone to Azerbaijan. ‘Azerbaijanis are always glad to see you’, said Mehriban Aliyeva. She wished the Russian people peace and prosperity.

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The event continued with a concert of the Azerbaijani musicians. The Uzeyir Hajibeyli Azerbaijan State Symphonic Band conducted by People’s Artist Rauf Abdullayev performed an overture from Koroghlu opera by Uzeyir Hajibeyli. 

The concert also featured ‘Sen Gelmez Oldun’ song played by Shirzad Fataliyev in balaban to the accompaniment of the orchestra, performance by mugham singer Tayyar Bayramov, parts from ‘Arshin Mal Alan’ musical comedy by U.Hajibeyli, ‘Waltz’ by Gara Garayev, ‘Kuchelere Su Sepmishem’ folk song, performance by ‘Azerbaijani Rhythms’ drummers band of Natig Shirinov, ‘Novruz’ jazz composition by Isfar Sarabsky, ‘Garabagh Shikestesi’ by mugham singer Mirpasha Shukurov.

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Following the concert, the first ladies of Azerbaijan and Russia had a meeting.

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After the solemn ceremony, guests were presented the samples of the Azerbaijani cuisine.

In the meeting with First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva, participants expressed gratitude for the high-level ceremony.