An exhibition marking the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Azerbaijan opened at the Russian State Duma in Moscow today.
The exhibition is the first exposition in the State Duma devoted to a foreign state. The concept of the exhibition is based on the fact that Azerbaijan is an ancient and rapidly developing modern country with a rich history.
At the same time, the exhibition demonstrates materials reflecting friendly relations, mutually beneficial cooperation and developing cultural and economic ties between the two countries. There are Russian schools operating in Azerbaijan, the Russian Drama Theater, the Baku Slavic University,as well as the branches of Lomonosov Moscow State University and Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University.
Chairman of Russia’s State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin addressed the opening o the exhibition. He expressed gratitude to the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for organizing the exhibition.
"I want to thank the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for giving us the opportunity to learn about the history of Azerbaijan, its modern life and the centuries-old history of Russian-Azerbaijani relations. The Russian and Azerbaijani people have protected our homeland and the whole world from fascism. Today, our friendship is developing and strengthening. At today’s exhibition, we’re getting acquainted with the achievements of our neighbor, Azerbaijan,” the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza cited him as saying.
Talking about the importance of the exhibition, Volodin said such events contribute to the development of bilateral relations.
"We are bringing our countries' positions closer to each other. The basis of relations between the two countries was laid by the decisions of our presidents. The duty of parliaments is to ensure the legality of these decisions. Therefore, together with my colleague Ogtay Asadov and other Azerbaijani parliamentarians, we are doing everything possible to strengthen the bilateral ties. We are such countries that have a common history and future," Volodin added.
"Today's exhibition proves once again that Russia and Azerbaijan have a lot to remember and discuss today, because we are countries with a common history and common future," he stressed.
Addressing the event, Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis Ogtay Asadov thanked the State Duma, the Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Azerbaijani Embassy in Russia for preparing this exhibition.
"I am confident that such events will contribute to further development of Russian-Azerbaijani bilateral ties. Official meetings and official visits of the heads of state play an important role in the development of our relations, during these visits more than 200 bilateral documents were signed between our countries. I’m confident that our relations will continue to develop from year after year,” the speaker stressed.
The exhibition consists of several sections. Old carpets and shabaka are presented on the main wall. Antique brass dishes are presented in two corner display cases. Traditional musical instruments are displayed in the central part of the hall, next to them there are mannequins in national clothes. Video monitors are also installed here, which will allow guests to get acquainted with Azerbaijan's traditional crafts.
In addition, visitors will be able to get acquainted with the history of Azerbaijan using special stands and monitors.
The exhibition will last until February 10.
