August 13, 2025 (MLN): The full implementation of the
Cultural Exchange Program 2024–2029 signed during the state visit of the
President of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, has been emphasized as part of efforts to
deepen bilateral cultural cooperation.
The call was made during a meeting in Islamabad
between Azerbaijani Ambassador Khazar Farhadov and Federal Minister for
National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi.
During the discussions the envoy presented several proposals, including
broader cultural exchanges, joint music promotion, and collaborative heritage
preservation projects.
Farhadov highlighted the upcoming International Music
Festival in Azerbaijan, scheduled for September 18–28 and dedicated to renowned
Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli.
Organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijan’s
Ministry of Culture, the event will feature artists from the USA, Korea,
Germany, Switzerland, France, Turkey, and other countries.
He proposed that Pakistani radio stations broadcast
Azerbaijani music during the festival and that cultural centers host related
events, with Azerbaijan providing the musical content.
Seeking Pakistan’s cooperation
in the “Azerbaijani Cultural Heritage in the World” project, the ambassador
said the initiative aims to catalog, document and showcase Azerbaijani cultural
symbols such as paintings, sculptures, manuscripts and artifacts located in
museums, libraries, archives and private collections worldwide. He stressed
that Pakistan’s support would be vital in advancing the project.
Minister Khichi welcomed the proposals, noting that Pakistan
and Azerbaijan share deep-rooted relations based on Islamic values, similar
traditions and strong people-to-people ties.
He praised the hospitality and cultural richness of
Azerbaijan recalling his own visit to Baku and assured full support for new
cultural initiatives.
He announced Pakistan’s
readiness to send artists to the September music festival and invited
Azerbaijani cultural troupes to perform in Pakistan.
He also suggested hosting an Azeri Cultural Festival in
Islamabad and arranging traveling exhibitions to strengthen cultural
understanding.
Responding to the envoy’s
interest in promoting the traditional Sherwani as a symbol of Pakistani and
Azeri attire internationally, Khichi expressed full support, noting that
Pakistan’s Prime Minister and President often wear the garment on special
occasions.
Secretary National Heritage
and Culture Division, Asad Rehman Gillani who was present at the meeting,
reiterated Pakistan’s interest in expanding cultural exchanges and proposed
sending Buddha artisans to Azerbaijan for cultural exhibitions.
Both sides agreed to renew
existing MoUs in heritage and culture, enhance people-to-people contacts, and
expand cooperation.
The ambassador also acknowledged the presence of Azerbaijani
cultural corners in Pakistani institutions as a positive step toward deeper
bilateral ties.
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