Editor's note: officials' statements have been added
France, Strasbourg, June 21 / Trend A. Maharramli /
On Monday, an exhibition of samples of cultural heritage called "Cultural Diversity in Azerbaijan", organized by the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee was opened within the summer session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
Head of PACE Movlud Chavushoglu, head of the State Customs Committee Aydin Aliyev, head of Azerbaijani delegation to PACE Samad Seyidov, permanent representative of our country in the Council of Europe Arif Mammadov, as well as senior officials of the Organization, European MPs and others attended the event.
Examples of cultural heritage, confiscated by Azerbaijani customs officials, were presented at the exhibition. This is a good example of attention paid by the Azerbaijani government to protect cultural heritage.
Speaking at the opening of the exhibition, PACE President praised the tolerance of the Azerbaijani people, its contribution to the cultural heritage of Azerbaijan, in artistic diversity. He said that this exhibition is a bright example.
The State Customs Committee head Aydin Aliyev said that Azerbaijan is one of the countries that pays attention to the protection and conservation of different religions, cultures and traditions.
"This also reflects the high tolerance of our people to other cultures and religions.
This is a very important event", he said.
In his speech, head of Azerbaijani delegation to PACE Samad Seyidov said that last year Azerbaijan marked the 60-th-anniversary of the Council of Europe. Next year it will celebrate 10 years of its membership in the Council of Europe.
"Organizing of this exhibition within the PACE session is symbolic. Thus, the PACE voted for membership of our country in this organization, one of the oldest of pan-European organizations 10 years ago. The CE's goals are to secure human rights, rule of law and democracy. It is clear that this Intercultural dialogue can take place where there is real democracy. This exhibition shows that intercultural dialogue in Azerbaijan has ancient roots. It means that democracy has ancient roots", Seyidov said.
Many people are interested in the exhibition, which runs from June 21-24.
Previously, such an exhibition has been organized in Vienna under the UN.
