A commemorative event dedicated to Azerbaijani film director Ajdar Ibrahimov, who founded the cinematography school in Vietnam, was held in Hanoi, the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The event also included a presentation ceremony of his book titled "What I Saw in Vietnam”.

This historically important event was attended by Fuad Muradov the Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, Shovgi Mehdizada, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, and Ta Quang Dong, Deputy Minister of the Culture, Sport and Tourism of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Highlighting the deep historical roots of the ties between Azerbaijan and Vietnam, the Committee Chairman stated that these relations have developed dynamically under the leadership of Ilham Aliyev and To Lam, the presidents of the two countries. He emphasized the irreplaceable role of cultural figures, especially Ajdar Ibrahimov, in the formation of these relations that are based on the principles of mutual respect, trust and friendship. His legacy has served as an important bridge in terms of not only cinematography, but also the development of cultural relations between Azerbaijan and Vietnam, and will stand as a valuable example to future generations.

In his speech, Ambassador Shovgi Mehdizada underscored Ajdar Ibrahimov’s multifaceted and productive activity has inspired the publication of a series of books and production of films, which has led to the establishment of national film school in Vietnam. The Ambassador added that Ajdar Ibrahimov ‘s contributions to the development respectful and friendly attitude among the Vietnamese people toward Azerbaijan is still remembered with deep gratitude today.

Ta Quang Dong, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Sport and Tourism of Vietnam highly appreciated the activities of the Azerbaijani community in Vietnam, emphasizing the Ajdar Ibrahimov crucial role in the formation of cultural ties between the two countries. He stated that the book “What I Saw in Vietnam” demonstrated the scale of work implemented by the filmmaker, and showed that Azerbaijan and Vietnam are strategically and morally important partners to each other.

At the event, a film about Ajdar Ibrahimov’s life and legacy was also screened, and an exhibition featuring photographs included in his book was organized. The exhibition attracted great interest from the participants.

Actress To Uyen, who was part of the cast in a move directed by Ajdar Ibrahimov years ago, walked to the stage and greeted the participants, receiving a storm of applause from the audience.

Next, Vietnamese schoolchildren were presented certificates for their contributions to the illustrations of the book “What I see in Vietnam”. During the event, Azerbaijani musicians performed folk music and mugham. Azerbaijani music evoked immense enthusiasm among the event participants.

The event co-organized by the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, the Embassy and the Vietnam Film Institute in the premises of the latter, was widely covered by the local media.

It should be noted that the book “What I see in Vietnam” has been translated into the Vietnamese language with the support of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora at the initiative of the Embassy of Azerbaijan to Vietnam. In recent years, the publication of books in foreign languages and their distribution to prestigious libraries around the world by the Committee has become a tradition.