Baku, Azerbaijan, June 9
By Anakhanum Idayatova - Trend:
Azerbaijan's efforts in the public diplomacy sphere have produced excellent results on the world stage, Levente Kozma, the former Hungarian senior foreign policy advisor, told Trend June 9.
Kozma said that international cultural, artistic activities are good examples of Azerbaijan's active public diplomacy.
Organizing events like the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012, the Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in 2016, and the Baku International Humanitarian Forum every year for world leaders show Azerbaijan's important role in the region, he added.
Organizing the European Games in 2015 and the 2016 Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe, which is to be held soon in Azerbaijan's capital Baku, are also very good asset to boost the country's reputation, noted Kozma.
"However, I am sure that a country has to have already a good reputation to get the possibility of organizing one of the most popular sports contest in the world - the Formula 1," he added.
The Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe will be held in Baku on June 17-19.
Eleven teams will take part in the racing: Mercedes AMG Petronas, Scuderia Ferrari, Williams Martini Racing, Red Bull Racing, Sahara Force India, Haas F1 Team, McLaren Honda, Toro Rosso, Sauber F1 Team, Renault Sport F1, Manor Racing.
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