The Azerbaijan-China friendship concert, featuring performance of the Azerbaijani classical music, has been held in Beijing. The event was co-organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

The Azerbaijan-China friendship concert is one of a series of events promoting Azerbaijan’s rich culture and music in the Chinese land.

High ranking officials from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Li Xiaolin, employees of the Chinese Communist Party, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of the People’s Republic of China and other public agencies attended the event.

Speaking to a ceremony prior to the concert, Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Ali Ahmadov emphasized that the relationship between Azerbaijan and China, which dates back to the ancient Silk Road, are those of friendly and partner countries.

Ali Ahmadov noted that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to its relations with China. He said the political dialogue between the two countries, which is based on mutual respect and trust between President Ilham Aliyev and the Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, creates great opportunities for boosting bilateral relations. The Deputy PM also highlighted the active role the Heydar Aliyev Foundation headed by First-Vice President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva in expanding humanitarian ties between Azerbaijan and China and implementing various cultural projects.

Vice Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Shao Hong said the ancient Silk Road has laid the foundation of friendly relations between the two countries.

The concert featured performance of works by famous Azerbaijani composers such as Uzeyir Hajibayli, Fikrat Amirov, Gara Garayev, Niyazi and others.

As part of the visit, the Azerbaijani delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Ali Ahmadov met with Vice Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Shao Hong and President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Li Xiaolin to discuss the issues of bilateral cooperation.

During the visit, the delegation including Assistant to the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan, Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Anar Alakbarov and Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora Fuad Muradov familiarized themselves with the museum of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

Shahin Jafarov

Special Correspondent