3rd Indonesian Cultural Festival opens in Baku

Baku, September 14, AZERTAC A solemn opening ceremony of the 3rd Indonesian Cultural Festival under the theme “Keeping the Archipelago’s Greatest Culture Alive” has been held at the Heydar Aliyev Palace in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku. Participants of the event first viewed an exhibition highlighting the national culture and art of Indonesia. Addressing the ceremony, Indonesian Minister of Education and Culture Muhajir Efendi provided an insight into the program of the festival. The minister described this year's festival as remarkable, saying it coincides with the 73rd anniversary of independence of the Republic of Indonesia. He noted that the two countries enjoy deeply-rooted and friendly relations. “Development of high level diplomatic and cultural relations with Azerbaijan testifies to the both countries’ advocating peace and brotherhood in the world," Muhajir Efendi said. Azerbaijan’s Minister of Culture Abulfas Garayev hailed the two countries` cooperation within international organizations, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and ISESCO. He noted that the festival will contribute to the expansion of relations between the two countries and bring them closer to each other. “The Indonesian Embassy in Azerbaijan is implementing cultural programs. This is the third festival of its kind held in Baku by the Embassy. I am confident that this festival will be successful in terms of bringing the peoples of Azerbaijan and Indonesia close together and provide a deep insight into the ancient culture of Indonesia. I believe that the relations between the two countries will develop steadily and this festival will contribute to bringing the national cultures closer,” Garayev added. The festival`s program includes art and cultural performances, such as music, dance and Indonesian martial art. It also showcases the excellence of Indonesian products and provide information about Indonesia and its tourism. The festival also features several side events such as a business matching between Indonesian and Azerbaijani entrepreneurs, visits to some universities in Azerbaijan, multicultural seminars, art dialogue, Indonesian fashion forum, Indonesian music showcase.