NEWS

An Inaugural Ceremony of the Azerbaijani Language and Culture Center took place at the University of Belgrade

27 april, 2018

An official opening ceremony of the Azerbaijan Language and Cultural Center, which aims to promote our country’s rich culture and state language abroad, took place at Belgrade University. This initiative is highly supported by the Rector of the Azerbaijan University of Languages, academician Kamal Abdulla and was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Serbia and Azerbaijan Cultural Center in Belgrade.

An Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro Mr Eldar Hasanov, Vice Rector of the Azerbaijan University of Languages professor Afgan Abdullayev, head of the chair of the World Literature at Baku State University, a well-known researcher of the south Slavic literature professor Jalil Nagiyev, editor-in-chief of the Azerbaijan State Publishing House, publicist and translator of the novel “Dictionary of the Khazars” written by a famous Serbian writer Milorad Pavic journalist Alovsat Agalarov, Rector of the University of Belgrade professor Vladimir Bumbasirević, dean of the Faculty of Philological Studies Dr Ljiljana Markovic, a member of the Azerbaijani friendship team at the Serbian Parliament and a member of the Serbian Royal Academy Council Lyubisha Stoymirovic, members of the parliament Liliya Miletic and Marco Parezanovic, Deputy Minister for Serbian Foreign affairs  Tamara Rastovac Siamashvili, as well as other members of the Serbian  state, governmental, diplomatic bodies, associates of scientific and  academic institutions and media representatives took part in the event.

Rector of the University of Belgrade professor Vladimir Bumbasirević stated that the opening of this center stands for an obvious manifestation of cultural and humanitarian ties between the two states, which will develop in future. Rector also mentioned that humanitarian events organized by the Azerbaijan government are highly appreciated and welcomed in Serbia. He stated that two countries are alike and that nowadays, Serbian students are interested in Azerbaijani culture. He also emphasized his strong belief in fostering bilateral relations between two countries and said that this center will build a bridge between them. Rector also expressed his enthusiasm in terms of the soon to be launched Serbian Language and Cultural Center at Azerbaijan University of Languages in May in Azerbaijan.

An Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro Mr Eldar Hasanov also stated that one can observe a rapidly growing strategic planning between the two states not only in terms of political, but also in terms of economic, cultural and humanitarian fields.  The Ambassador also said that friendly relationship between Azerbaijan and Serbia is developing day by day. He stated that Azerbaijan is a religiously tolerant country, which retains modern values although it is steeped in a rich history and cultural values.  He also approved the initiative undertaken by the Rector of Azerbaijan University of Languages academician Kamal Abdulla in establishing the Azerbaijan Language and Cultural Center in Serbia as an important step towards spreading propaganda of Azerbaijani values in the Balkans and in Serbia. The Ambassador expressed his belief that the center will play a substantial role in enhancing a fruitful cooperation between the nations of these countries that own common values. He also mentioned that an agreement signed between the two universities will strengthen scientific and educational ties and the number of students and staff members going on exchange programs will tremendously increase.

Vice Rector for Academic affairs at Azerbaijan University of Languages professor Afgan Abdullayev read aloud a congratulatory and thank you letter of the Rector of the Azerbaijan University of Languages academician Kamal Abdulla on the occasion of the opening ceremony of the Azerbaijan Language and Cultural Center at the University of Belgrade in Serbia. Professor expressed his strong belief that the center will play an important role in fostering mutual relationship between the countries and promulgating rich Azerbaijan culture in the world. He also mentioned that as a result of a far-sighted policy of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, today multicultural values and customs, tolerance and mutual understanding between the ethnic minorities are highly welcomed in the country.

Head of the Azerbaijan Language and Cultural Center assoc. prof Lala Majidova also expressed her gratitude to the rectors of the both universities as well as the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Serbia in supporting the implementation of this joint project. On behalf of the center, she promised to do her best in giving considerable opportunities to Serbian students to get to know Azerbaijani culture and language.

At the end, a bilateral agreement between the Azerbaijan University of Languages and the University of Belgrade was signed.