‘Azerbaijan rapidly develops, modernizes’

Rapidly developing Azerbaijan has become a hub for international humanitarian initiatives, said former general director of UNESCO Koichiro Matsuura. He praised the results of the Baku International Humanitarian Forum.

Matsuura stressed importance of the Forum and pointed out Azerbaijan has hosted important humanitarian events in recent years. He described prominent scientists` and public figures` participation in the Forum as a sign of international interest in the event. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev`s relevant initiative is praiseworthy in the light of challenges driven by globalization. The Forum smooth the way for ensuring security for peace seekers and developing international dialogue.

Matsuura hailed Baku Forum`s role towards perception of multiculturalism and underlined that the discussions held as part of the Forum would have effective impact on development of multicultural ties among the nations. Azerbaijan makes contributions to the peace and tranquility. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev`s and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva`s activities are excellent role models in this area.

Mr. Matsuura said the Baku Forum was important for protection of various cultures. He praised discussions on a role of media during the Baku Forum. Mr. Matsuura underlined participation of the numerous authoritative persons – officials, political figures, scientists, economists, deputies – provided a good platform for successful conduct of the Baku Forum and adoption of the Baku Declaration. The Azerbaijani leadership`s intention to continue implementation of this project was unilaterally supported by the Forum participants.

Mr. Matsuura said the results of the forum will not influence on the society at once adding it is a long-term process, which will manifest itself after a while. He said his latest visit to Azerbaijan is important in terms of witnessing the big construction boom in Azerbaijan. He stressed the country has experienced unprecedented growth over the past ten years. Azerbaijan rapidly develops, modernizes and pays special attention to protection of cultural heritage.

Mr.Matsuura said he first familiarized himself with Azerbaijan during participation in the 1300th jubilee of “Kitabi-Dada Gorgud” epos in April 2000. He said the Azerbaijani epos bears a similarity to Japan`s Manyoshu epos written in the 8th century. These works narrate on everyday life of the two ancient and wise nations. UNESCO Director General praised relations established between Azerbaijan and Japan adding these ties were strengthened even more thanks to the activity of the head of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva.

Koichirio Matsuura said Azerbaijan has ancient cultural legacy. He said the fact that they are all included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO indicates that your people pay special attentions to preservation of this heritage.

Icharishahar complex, Gobustan Museum, Mugham, Novruz holiday are included in this list which is important in terms of their popularization. Former Director General of UNESCO said that improvement of modern art is in the focus of attention in Azerbaijan too. Koichirio Matsuura expressed confidence Azerbaijan would continue to develop rapidly and contribute to developing humanitarian cooperation between peoples.


/AzerTAc/