BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 19. National
solidarity and diaspora issues were discussed at a meeting in
Greece.
This was reported by Azerbaijan’s State Committee on Work with
Diaspora following a meeting between committee chairman Fuad
Muradov and compatriots living in Thessaloniki during his visit to
Greece.
According to the committee, Muradov and Azerbaijan’s Ambassador
to Greece, Arif Mammadov, first learned about the activities of the
Azerbaijan House in Thessaloniki and viewed an exhibition dedicated
to October 18, Restoration of Independence Day.
At the meeting held at the Azerbaijan House, participants
exchanged views on the work carried out, the reconciliation
process, and communication among diaspora members.
During the gathering with compatriots living in Thessaloniki and
the surrounding areas, videos of Azerbaijani President Ilham
Aliyev’s speeches about the historic victory of the Azerbaijani
people were shown. Participants discussed efforts to develop the
Azerbaijani diaspora, strengthen national unity, and preserve
national and moral values.
The event began with the national anthem of Azerbaijan. The
martyrs who died for the freedom and territorial integrity of the
homeland were remembered with deep respect.
Rashid Mammadov, chairman of the Gala Greece-Azerbaijan
Friendship Society and head of the Azerbaijan House in
Thessaloniki, briefed participants on the organization’s activities
and expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani state for supporting the
community’s initiatives.
Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Greece, Arif Mammadov, praised the
community meeting and highlighted the role of compatriots living in
Thessaloniki and the surrounding areas in strengthening solidarity
between Azerbaijan and Greece. He also emphasized the state’s care
and attention toward Azerbaijanis living abroad.
In his address, Muradov extended warm greetings to compatriots
and highlighted the support provided by Azerbaijani President Ilham
Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva to Azerbaijanis
living abroad. He noted that this support creates opportunities to
further strengthen the diaspora and national solidarity.
Muradov also drew attention to the historical significance of
October 18, Restoration of Independence Day. Compatriots living in
Thessaloniki and the surrounding areas were briefed on the
committee’s systematic work with Azerbaijani communities in 70
countries, as well as on the specific features of the diaspora
roadmap developed for each country.
The meeting provided an opportunity for participants to exchange
views. Questions from compatriots were answered, and proposals were
put forward on improving the organization of community activities,
launching new initiatives, and expanding diaspora ties.
In addition to compatriots, local public figures and members of
the local Georgian and Russian communities attended the meeting.
Greek participants and Azerbaijanis living in Greece highlighted
the role of the Azerbaijani community in Thessaloniki in
strengthening friendly relations between the two countries.
Rashid Mammadov received a certificate of appreciation from the
State Committee on Work with Diaspora in recognition of his work
supporting the Azerbaijani diaspora.
Meanwhile, 32 Azerbaijan Houses are currently operating in 21
countries around the world. One of them is the Azerbaijan House in
Thessaloniki, which has been operating since 2017. The State
Committee on Work with Diaspora provides these centers with the
necessary resources.
