In accordance with the strategic course defined by Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the State Committee on Work with Diaspora organizes meetings to ensure the intensity of relations with our compatriots living in various countries and to strengthen their ties with Azerbaijan. The meeting of Azerbaijanis was held in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, discussing the concerns, proposals, and initiatives of our compatriots. The compatriots exchanged ideas aimed at enhancing the efficiency of diaspora activities.

The event was attended by the Azerbaijani and Turkish community, as well as local community members. It began with the rendition of the National anthems of Azerbaijan and Serbia, followed by a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs.

Leyla Hamzayeva, Head of the Department at the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, provided broad information on the projects and programs implemented by the Committee aimed at organizing world Azerbaijanis, strengthening national solidarity, and expanding the diaspora network. She stated that compatriots living in different countries of the world play an important role with their activities in conveying Azerbaijan's voice of justice internationally, promoting cultural heritage, and preserving state interests. It was noted that the healthy social environment fostered by the Azerbaijani diaspora in Serbia is built upon mutual trust, friendship, and common national interests. The collective activities of our compatriots continue to boost the diaspora's prestige year over year.

Gunel Babanli, Head of the Azerbaijani Language and Culture Centre operating at the Faculty of Philology of the University of Belgrade, spoke about the unity and solidarity of Azerbaijanis living in Serbia. She also noted that, alongside the teaching of the Azerbaijani language, the Center systematically promotes Azerbaijan’s rich culture, national traditions, and customs.

The meeting with the Azerbaijani community was attended by Gulnara Mammadova and Orkhan Aliyev, staff members of the Embassy of Azerbaijan to Serbia.

The meeting continued with constructive discussions. Our compatriots highlighted the results and achievements of the consistent, purposeful, and systematic efforts undertaken to strengthen the organization of the Azerbaijani diaspora and expressed their gratitude to the Azerbaijani state for its continued support and attention.

The Medal “For Service in Diaspora Activities,” of the Republic of Azerbaijan awarded to late diaspora activist Zarifa Alizadeh, was presented to her daughter. Zarifa Alizadeh was a prominent Azerbaijani professor, musician, and diaspora figure who was active in Serbia. She played a significant role in promoting Azerbaijani culture in Serbia and across the Balkan region for many years.

During the community meeting, a new coordinator was elected to the Coordination Council of Azerbaijanis Living in Eastern Europe for Serbia.

The meeting with the Azerbaijani community in Serbia continued with a cultural program.

It should be noted that the leadership and staff members of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora carried out nearly 100 visits to 30 countries in 2025 and held meetings with the participation of thousands of Azerbaijanis and foreigners. These meetings and productive discussions contribute to the closer unity of world Azerbaijanis around the ideals of Azerbaijanism, strengthen national solidarity, and bring diaspora activities to a completely new stage.