As part of his visit to Greece, Fuad Muradov, Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Azerbaijanis living in Thessaloniki.

Together with Arif Mammadov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Greece, the Committee Chairman first familiarized with the activities of the Azerbaijan House in Thessaloniki and viewed an exhibition dedicated to 18 October - the Day of Restoration of Independence.

The meeting, held at the Azerbaijan House, provided an opportunity to exchange views on ongoing activities, the process of community consolidation, and communication among diaspora members.

At a broader community meeting with Azerbaijanis living in Thessaloniki and the surrounding areas, video clips featuring speeches by the Head of State on the historic victory of the Azerbaijani people were screened. Discussions focused on efforts to develop the Azerbaijani diaspora, strengthen national unity and preserve moral and cultural values.

The event began with a rendition of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The participants paid deep tribute to the memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and territorial integrity of the Motherland.

Rashid Mammadov, Chairman of the Greece–Azerbaijan Friendship Society “Gala” and Head of the Azerbaijan House in Thessaloniki, provided information about the House’s activities and expressed his gratitude to the Azerbaijani state for its support of community initiatives.

Arif Mammadov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Hellenic Republic, highly appreciated the community meeting and highlighted the role of Azerbaijanis living in Thessaloniki and the surrounding areas in fostering solidarity between Azerbaijan and Greece. He also drew attention to the Azerbaijani state’s support for compatriots living abroad.

Cordially welcoming the attendees, Committee Chairman emphasized the attention and care shown by President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva towards Azerbaijanis living abroad. He spoke about how this support creates extended opportunities to further strengthen the Azerbaijani diaspora and reinforce national solidarity, while also highlighting the historical significance of October 18 – Independence Restoration Day.

The Azerbaijanis living in Thessaloniki and the surrounding areas were provided with detailed information about the Committee’s systematic engagement with Azerbaijani communities in 70 countries and the specific priorities outlined in the diaspora roadmap for each country.

The community meeting continued with an interactive exchange of views. Questions from compatriots were answered, and constructive proposals were presented regarding the efficient organization of community activities, implementation of new initiatives, and expansion of diaspora networks.

Alongside our compatriots, the meeting was attended by local community representatives and members of the Georgian and Russian communities in Thessaloniki. Greeks attending the event, as well as Azerbaijanis living in Greece, highly appreciated the meeting, noting that the Azerbaijani community in Thessaloniki further strengthens the friendly relations between the two countries.

Rashid Mammadov was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by the State Committee on Work with Diaspora in recognition of his successful diaspora activities.

It should be noted that 33 Azerbaijan Houses currently operate across 21 countries around the world. The Azerbaijan House in Thessaloniki, which has been operating since 2017, is one of them. The State Committee on Work with Diaspora provides all Azerbaijan Houses with the necessary resources.