France is delighted with the Days of Azerbaijani Culture in Cannes

French political and cultural figures, who have visited the Days of Azerbaijani Culture in Cannes, shared their impressions with Vestnik Kavkaza about this project, which is annually implemented on the French Riviera by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

So, the deputy of the department of Oise, president of the Association of Friends of Azerbaijan Jean-Francois Mansel, spoke in an interview with a correspondent of the agency that Azerbaijani Culture Days in Cannes took place at a very high cultural level and attracted a large number of people. 

‘‘The art of musicians, singers, artists and fireworkers shows beautiful images of Azerbaijan. I was very pleased to see so much interest from the public to Azerbaijan and its culture. At the end of the concert, and after my speech a lot of people came to me and asked about taking part in trips that we organize in the context of our association. It leads to stable relations and the friendship between our two countries,’’ said he.

"We are very grateful to the President of the Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva, because she deserves a special thanks for the friendly attitude towards France, as well as her team. Under the leadership of Mehriban Aliyeva, the team is doing such great and important work.  

I speak about the cultural and educational events organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. It is done for preservation and restoration of our heritage in the Louvre, Versailles and the lesser-known places. By the way, these are a beautiful proof of our friendship, because they are effective, but modest,’’ the deputy drew his attention.

Such cultural events, in his estimation, are an opportunity to strengthen friendly Azerbaijani-French ties. "The richness and variety of Azerbaijani culture arouse interest and enthusiasm among the French public, which is beginning to get more closely acquainted with the country. France is also the heiress to a great culture, in which my compatriots are immersed, and this contributes to the rapprochement of our peoples. No wonder the slogan of the Association of Friends of Azerbaijan is 'Unite our cultures and knowledge'. Cultural ties will allow us to further strengthen cooperation in the political, economic and social spheres, which will fasten the friendship between the two nations, who have got everything to hear each other and appreciate it even more," Jean-Francois Mancel expressed confidence.

The Mayor of the 6th arrondissement of Paris, Jean-Pierre Lecoq, noted that the Days of Azerbaijani Culture provide an opportunity for the residents of France to get to know the country, located on the border between Europe and Asia. "Azerbaijan is a bridge between the two continents, where people of different faiths live in peace. It is really a state and a people which we should meet. During these days in Cannes, we discovered Azerbaijani culture, which combines respect for the past and the use of the latest technologies. We can see this, for example, at the concert at the Palais des Festival or during the fireworks shown in the framework of the fireworks display in Cannes," he said.

According to him, the activities of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in France are impressive by their intensity and diversity. "This secular Muslim state, for example, did not hesitate to take part in the restoration of the stained glass windows of Strasbourg Cathedral and helps small churches in Orne. Culture itself is a means of communication between people, and closer acquaintance with the culture of Azerbaijan due to the project of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation helps to strengthen the ties which exist between our peoples," Jean-Pierre Lecoq stressed.

Teacher, writer and journalist Jean-Pierre Allali described Azerbaijan as a dynamically developing country with a very rich history and culture. "However, it is little known to the public, especially in Europe. That is why such cultural events like the Days of Culture in Cannes or the House of Azerbaijan in Paris provide an exceptional opportunity to demonstrate the national art and culture of the republic," he said.

A special place in this regard is the work of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. "World attention has recently been focused on the First European Games in Baku. Due to the fund, the French public are acquainted with the music of mugham, Azerbaijani jazz and the works of the outstanding pianists of the country. The Foundation gives us the opportunity to learn about the crafts of Azerbaijan, its carpets, the wines presented at the fair in Ganja and Nizami poetry. And what the Heydar Aliyev Foundation makes for the restoration and preservation of monuments of historical heritage of France, especially in Strasbourg, shows the generosity of the country and its interest in world cultural heritage," the writer said.

"You could just look at this warm welcome from the cities where events related to Azerbaijan are happening, to feel the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries," Jean-Pierre Allali said.