Azernews.Az

Azerbaijani people are proud of their culture and the country’s authorities have turned the culture into the object of national pride, said Rachida Dati, member of the European Parliament, mayor of the 7th arrondissement of Paris.

She made the remarks during the 3rd World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue that kicked off in Baku on May 18.

Dati said different religions coexist in Baku, mosques are located nearby the synagogues and churches.

She said namely culture plays a role of a bridge between the civilizations, adding that Azerbaijan’s activities in this sphere meet Europe’s interests.

Dati especially emphasized the role of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation led by Mehriban Aliyeva in the development of the intercultural dialogue.

Heydar Aliyev Foundation is engaged in the restoration of religious monuments and cultural heritage sites in France, thereby making a great contribution to the process of rapprochement of peoples of the two countries, according to the member of European Parliament.

“We regard Azerbaijan’s diplomacy as an example,” Dati said, adding that holding of the intercultural dialogue to maintain security meets the interests of the whole world.

The 3rd World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue is being held under the patronage of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The forum’s partners are UNESCO and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations.

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