The University of Sofia of St. Kliment Ohridski has hosted a round table entitled “Multiculturalism in Azerbaijan”. The event was organized by the Center of Azerbaijani Language and Culture in partnership with Azerbaijan`s Embassy to Bulgaria.
Addressing the event, director of the Center Sofiya Shigayeva-Mitresku highlighted the history of the idea of multiculturalism. She spoke of multicultural atmosphere in Azerbaijan. “Multiculturalism in Azerbaijan is part of a state ideology taking roots from national leader Heydar Aliyev. The values of multiculturalism are being constantly promoted in education, press and society of Azerbaijan,” she underlined.
Azerbaijani Ambassador to Bulgaria Nargiz Gurbanova expressed her regret that racialism and xenophobia were growing across the world, adding “this impedes the establishment of contacts between cultures”. She quoted President Ilham Aliyev as saying that “today, multiculturalism is a state policy and way of life in Azerbaijan.” Gurbanova said Azerbaijan was recognized as a model of multiculturalism and tolerance in the world.
Participant of the Baku International Humanitarian Forum, journalist Gergina Dvoretska described religious tolerance in Azerbaijan as excellent. She expressed her confidence that despite the difficult situation in the region, the atmosphere of tolerance would be protected in Azerbaijan.
Another participant of the Humanitarian Forum, conductor Kiril Lambov hailed the Azerbaijani government`s attention to national minorities.
AZERTAC