During a business visit to Canada, Vagif Seyidbayov, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan, held a number of meetings.

The Deputy Chairman of the Committee was closely acquainted with the activities of the Azerbaijan House in Toronto. Lalin Hasanova, head of the Azerbaijan House and “Vatan” Azerbaijan Art and Culture Centre, provided detailed information about activities of the House and future plans. It was emphasized that Azerbaijan Houses in different countries around the world play a significant role in strengthening connections among compatriots, ensuring they do not feel isolated away from their homeland, and promoting national unity among the younger generation. Then, Deputy Chairman visited “My Azerbaijan” weekend school under the Azerbaijan House. The students proudly stated that they had made Azerbaijani friends at school, learned their mother tongue, and performed Azerbaijan’s national dances at festivals and events. The teachers spoke about the invaluable role of weekend schools in fostering national values among young compatriots, as well as in preserving and promoting Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage. They expressed deep gratitude to the Azerbaijani state for the attention and care shown to compatriots.

As part of a visit, a meeting with the Azerbaijani community in Canada was held. Deputy Chairman stated that the large-scale initiatives implemented in different countries with the support of the Committee are aimed at strengthening solidarity among our compatriots. The participants shared different proposals on building strong ties among our compatriots, establishing mutual support mechanisms, and facilitating the adaptation of newly arrived compatriots to Canada. The community elders thanked the State Committee on Work with Diaspora for its support in uniting Azerbaijanis living in Canada and for its efforts to preserve national identity and the mother tongue.