Azerbaijan, Baku, Dec. 13 / Trend Eldar Huseynzade /
Renowned Gerard Depardieu met with Azerbaijani Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfaz Garayev in Baku today. The sides discussed cinematic cooperation and a number of projects.
Replying to a question from journalists about political issues, Depardieu answered that he does like talking about politics.
"I hate aggression and anger, and I believe only in mankind, not in an ideology," he said.
Early this morning, Depardieu visited the Alley of Honors and paid tribute to national leader Heydar Aliyev and laid flowers on his tomb. The actor also laid a wreath at the tomb of prominent scientist and ophthalmologist, academic Zarifa Aliyeva.
Depardieu then visited the Alley of Martyrs, where he laid flowers at the Eternal Flame commemorating the memory of the heroes who died for the independence of Azerbaijan.
Further, he overlooked Baku from a bird's-eye panorama. He then made a short trip down the boulevard to Icheri Sheher.
Depardieu arrived in Baku to attend the Fourth International Rostropovich Festival. Today, he will speak at the Azerbaijani State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater before a performance of "Carmen." He will read his favorite passages from the novella, "Carmen," by Prosper Morime.
The festival takes place from Dec. 12 to 19 with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Rostropovich Foundation and the Azerbaijani Culture and Tourism Ministry.
A special program has been prepared for Depardieu. He is also expected to visit the regions.