On November 3, the opening ceremony of the 1st Forum of Azerbaijani Cultural Ambassadors was held in Antalya, Türkiye, jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the State Committee on Work with Diaspora.

The ceremony was attended by Adil Karimli, Minister of Culture, Fuad Muradov, Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, Rafael Huseynov, Deputy Chairman of the Milli Majlis, Rashad Mammadov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Türkiye, People’s Artist Polad Bulbuloglu, Chairman of the Culture Committee of the Milli Majlis (Parliament), People’s Artist Firangiz Alizade, Chairperson of the Azerbaijan Composers' Union, People’s Artist Farhad Badalbeyli, Rector of the Baku Music Academy, as well as prominent Azerbaijani cultural figures from Azerbaijan and several other countries, along with other distinguished guests.

The National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was performed, and the cherished memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of our country was honored with a minute of silence.

Afterwards, a video titled “Revival of Culture in Karabakh” was screened.

In his opening speech, Minister of Culture Adil Karimli stated that the 1st Forum of Azerbaijani Cultural Ambassadors is considered a significant stage in the development of the country’s cultural diplomacy. He emphasized that this initiative is a logical continuation of the farsighted policy pursued by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva, aimed at preserving culture and national identity, and promoting them internationally.

The Minister noted that the forum, held on the eve of the 5th anniversary of our glorious Victory in the 44-day Patriotic War, which is inscribed in golden letters in our history, aims to promote Azerbaijani culture internationally through cultural ambassadors and their networks, to encourage the activities of cultural figures living abroad, and to provide additional support for the development of art and creative industries. Achieving closer cooperation between Azerbaijani Cultural Centers and Azerbaijan Houses abroad is one of the main goals of the forum.

In his remarks, Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora Fuad Muradov emphasized that the diaspora strategy of National Leader Heydar Aliyev has been further developed and elevated to a new stage during the presidency of Ilham Aliyev. He noted that today the Azerbaijani state actively encourages the activities of every compatriot living abroad. At the same time, Azerbaijani cultural figures abroad contribute to cultural diplomacy and successfully represent Azerbaijan internationally.

Rafael Huseynov, Deputy Chairman of the Milli Majlis, Rashad Mammadov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Türkiye, People’s Artist Polad Bulbuloglu, Chairman of the Culture Committee of the Milli Majlis, People’s Artist Jahangir Novruzov, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Forum delivered their speeches and highly appreciated the forum.

Subsequently, Azerbaijani cultural figures who contributed to the promotion of Azerbaijani culture internationally, were awarded, and a commemorative photo was taken.

It should be noted that the forum, held with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Türkiye, will continue until November 5. Within the framework of the forum, creative presentations, exhibitions of cultural projects, plenary discussions, and the signing of cultural cooperation protocols are planned. During the event, engaging artistic programs based on Azerbaijani music, theater, and dance will also be presented.