In his historical speech at the V Victory Congress of World Azerbaijanis held in Shusha, President Ilham Aliyev noted: “Azerbaijanis living abroad are a great force… Their activity is significant for our country. Their activity and promotion of Azerbaijani realities and protecting Azerbaijan’s interests strengthen our state, of course.

Guided by these recommendations, the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan strengthens ties with the Azerbaijani community abroad. It carries out numerous events to enhance our country’s position on a global scale.

Deputy Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora Vagif Seyidbayov and Committee employees participated in the meeting with the Azerbaijani community residing in Paris and surrounding region, France. The meeting commenced with playing the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and honouring the dear memory of our martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for territorial integrity of the country.

Deputy Chairman highly appreciated the activities of Azerbaijanis in promoting the Azerbaijani realities in the countries where they live, protecting our national interests and preserving unity within the community. He spoke about new diaspora strategy. He noted that diaspora policy founded by national leader Heydar Aliyev, has further developed today under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev in line with new challenges.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of France Leyla Abdullayeva drew attention to the important role of our diaspora in strengthening and developing the ties between Azerbaijan and France. The Ambassador noted the positive impact of such meetings on the agenda of our community in France in the post-war period.

At the meeting, it was specifically emphasized that the successful integration of Azerbaijanis living abroad into the societies of their residence countries, their networking, the preservation of their national identity, mother tongue, and rich cultural heritage, as well as their effective representation of our country, are of great importance. This balance is crucial in terms of individual development, safeguarding national interests, and ensuring a high level of ideological unity. Our compatriots living in France actively combat disinformation about Azerbaijan. They play a key role in protecting our country’s international image, and the development of interstate cooperation.

During the exchange of views, the proposals and initiatives of Azerbaijanis regarding the short- and long-term perspectives were discussed, and their questions were answered in detail.

At the event, report-style presentation and videos dedicated to the activities of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, which reflect the unity of the diaspora were showcased. Our compatriot living in France, a political analyst Mashallah Razmi was presented the medal “For Service in Diaspora Activity” of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Mashallah Razmi expressed his deep gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the high award.

Afterwards a meeting of the Coordination Council of Azerbaijanis of France was held. The coordinators of council Gunel Safarova and Mehriban Ovchuyeva provided detailed information about the activity of the Coordination Council of Azerbaijanis.

It was noted that Coordination Councils established in various countries play a coordinating and unifying role among diaspora organizations and communities, contributing to the formation of a unified position, the expansion of information exchange, and the increase of joint initiatives. Through these platforms, important days related to Azerbaijan, national holidays, and significant historical events are observed on a wider scale, thereby strengthening our country’s international image.

It should be noted that the holding of systematic and consistent meetings with Azerbaijani communities abroad is of great importance in terms of strengthening solidarity within the diaspora, conveying Azerbaijani realities to the international community, and shaping modern ideas and missions in this regard.