Azerbaijan State Folk Instrumental Ensemble gives concert in France

Paris, February 3 (AzerTAc). The Azerbaijan State Folk Instrumental Ensemble has performed as part of the Days of Azerbaijan in Mulhouse, France. The Days were held under “Cultural values of Azerbaijan, the pearl of the Caucasus” project. Speaking prior to the concert, Jean Rottner, Mayor of Mulhouse, described Azerbaijan as the leader in the Caucasian region. He stressed the importance of cultural events in bringing the Azerbaijani and French people closer to each other. Rottner praised Azerbaijan`s mugham, saying it was incorporated into the UNESCO list of intangible heritage of humanity. President of the Agglomeration community of Mulhouse Sud Alsace, France, senator Jean-Marie Bockel thanked Azerbaijani first lady, president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva for organizing the concert. He praised the relations between France and Azerbaijan. Bockel said Azerbaijan was a full member of the Council of Europe, calling the country one of the most active members of the organization. He noted Azerbaijan had rich cultural values, emphasizing the country`s contribution to developing the world culture. Azeri ambassador Elchin Amirbayov said the Days of Azerbaijan had been held in many French cities under the “Cultural values of Azerbaijan, the pearl of the Caucasus” project, implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and supported by the Embassy. The ambassador said Azerbaijan had rich culture, adding the country played the role of a bridge between the East and the West. Amirbayov noted people of different cultures, ethnicities and religions had co-existed in peace and harmony in Azerbaijan for centuries. The concert featured performance of the Azeri folk music and works by Azeri composers. It was attended by Mulhouse officials, members of the general public as well as Azeri diaspora members. In their interview with AzerTAc, local residents praised the concert, saying it helped them discover rich culture and music of Azerbaijan.