Fuad Muradov, Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with the Azerbaijani community living in Scotland at University of Edinburgh, during his working visit to the United Kingdom.

The meeting was organized with the support of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora and through the joint initiative of the Azerbaijani Student Society at the University of Edinburgh and the "Caspian Circle" organization.

The event brought together community members, students, diaspora activists, and representatives of the local public from the Scottish cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, and Stirling.

The meeting began with a rendition of the national anthems of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom, followed by a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of our homeland.

Greeting our compatriots who showed great interest in the meeting, the Committee Chairman noted that such gatherings, which have become a tradition, make a significant contribution to strengthening the solidarity of Azerbaijanis living abroad and further enhancing diaspora activities. He spoke about the large-scale reconstruction and development projects being carried out in the territories liberated from occupation following the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty under the leadership of President and Victorious Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev. He also drew attention to the steps being taken to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region. The Chairman expressed his gratitude to community members who convey the truths about Azerbaijan to the Scottish public and demonstrate unity and solidarity in this regard.

Detailed information was provided at the meeting about the long-term projects implemented by the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, including Azerbaijan Houses abroad, Coordination Councils, weekend Azerbaijani schools, the successful community-building process among compatriots, and other important areas of diaspora activity.

Speaking at the event, Elmar Amirov, Head of the Edinburgh Azerbaijani Student Society, and Fuad Alakbarov, Head of the "Caspian Circle" organization, provided information about the activities, goals, and priorities of their respective organizations. They spoke about the initiatives of Azerbaijani youth in Scotland, the expansion of diaspora activities, and the importance of promoting national and moral values. They also highlighted the projects implemented to date, efforts undertaken in the field of international cooperation, and programs aimed at the development of students and young people.

Eltay Aslanov, First Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, highly praised the work carried out by the Azerbaijani diaspora in Scotland.

Extensive and productive discussions were held with community members. Our compatriots spoke about the efforts being made to promote Azerbaijan in Scotland and shared their views and proposals regarding future cooperation opportunities and the further strengthening of diaspora activities.

Following the speeches, the video clip “Karabakh is Azerbaijan!” was screened and watched with great interest and attention.

The participants expressed their gratitude to the State Committee on Work with Diaspora for organizing the community meeting on the eve of May 28 – Independence Day.

During the artistic portion of the event, Azerbaijani national dances performed by our compatriot, choreographer Sakina Mukhtarli, who lives in Leeds, provided the audience with enjoyable musical experience.