On December 18, the Meeting of Azerbaijani Culture Ambassadors was held in Rome, the capital of Italy. The event was organized by the Ministry of Culture, support of Azerbaijani Ambassy to Italy and the State Committee on Work with Diaspora.

At the meeting Abuzar Manafzadeh, a conductor and composer, laureate of international competitions, performed the State Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, then a video clip was screened.

Azerbaijani ambassador to Italy Rashad Aslanov expressed his satisfaction to see the art and culture figures of our country in Rome. The ambassador spoke about the activity of the Culture Center operating under the Azerbaijani Ambassy to Italy.

The Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan Adil Karimli stated in his speech that everyone participating in the event is a valuable compatriot who, regardless of where they live, represents Azerbaijani national identity and stands out with special achievements in various fields of our culture, contributing to its promotion. The Minister emphasized that their contributions to the promotion of Azerbaijan and its rich culture, as well as their dedication to the homeland, are commendable.

Adil Karimli noted that holding the meeting on the eve of the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis carries special significance. He stated that such events further strengthen national solidarity, provide new impetus to the global promotion of our culture, and play an important role in presenting our cultural values to the international community.

The minister noted that Azerbaijan's cultural heritage has been preserved, enriched, and passed on to future generations with special care and attention by the state throughout history. He emphasized that the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, who paid special attention to the development of our culture, always prioritized uncovering the potential of artists, supporting young talents, and enabling them to study abroad to enhance their professional skills. Under President Ilham Aliyev, the development of culture has become one of the priority directions of state policy, with consistent and effective steps being taken to preserve, sustain, and promote the country’s cultural heritage.

The minister highlighted that the First Vice-president of Azerbaijan, and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva has made valuable contributions by supporting creative individuals and artists, and promoting national cultural values internationally. This active support has paved the way for further enrichment of Azerbaijan’s cultural treasury. As a result, Azerbaijani culture is reaching broader regions, and our artists are proudly representing and promoting our culture on prestigious stages worldwide.

The Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Diaspora Fuad Muradov spoke about the activities of the Azerbaijani diaspora, emphasizing the significant role of Azerbaijanis living abroad in promoting the country’s culture on the international stage. The Chairman noted that the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, during all his foreign visits, had met with Azerbaijanis living abroad and had advised them to remain connected to their homeland and to dedicate their potential to the benefit of Azerbaijan.

President Ilham Aliyev has further developed and enriched the diaspora policy initiated by Heydar Aliyev with new approaches. The promotion of Azerbaijan is a crucial component of the state’s diaspora policy. The contributions of First Vice-president Mehriban Aliyeva to the recognition of Azerbaijan on the international stage and the integration of its culture into world culture are undeniable and exemplary. Throughout her career, Mehriban Aliyeva has supported diaspora-building efforts, and Azerbaijanis abroad have always felt and highly appreciated this support.

The Deputy Chairman of the Culture Committee of the Milli Majlis, Günay Afandiyeva, highlighted the exceptional contributions of the cultural ambassadors, present at the meeting in promoting Azerbaijan's rich cultural heritage.

Following this, a video clip showcasing Azerbaijan's culture and arts was presented.

Renowned Azerbaijani theater and film actor, Honored Art Worker, People's Artist, director, and professor at Çukurova University, Jahangir Novruzov; Chairwoman of the Azerbaijan Composers' Union and People's Artist Firangiz Alizadeh; head of the "Toğrul Narimanbeyov" Association in France and docent at the Azerbaijan State Academy of Arts, Honored Artist Asmar Narimanbeyova; head of the Azerbaijan-American Music Foundation, Jamila Javadova-Spitzberg; professor at the Uzeyir Hajibayli Baku Music Academy and People's Artist Yalchin Adigozalov; Secretary of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union and People's Writer Chingiz Abdullayev; and People's Artist, renowned film and theater actor Fakhraddin Manafov emphasized the significance of the meeting spoke at the event and discussed the state's ongoing support for cultural and artistic figures.

During the meeting, Honored Artist of Azerbaijan, docent at the Azerbaijan State Academy of Arts, head of the "Toğrul Narimanbayov" Association in France, and teacher at the "Natavan" weekend school in Paris, Asmar Narimanbayova, was awarded the "Medal for Service in Diaspora Activities" by the Republic of Azerbaijan.

At the end, a commemorative photo was taken.