BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 24. The achievements of
the Irish diaspora, recognized worldwide for its advanced
experience and innovative approaches, create broad opportunities
for experience exchange with diaspora organizations of other
countries and demonstrate Ireland’s role both in international
relations and in diaspora activities, the State Committee on Work
with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan said, Trend reports.
It was noted that in this context, the visit of Chairman of the
State Committee on Work with Diaspora Fuad Muradov to Ireland and
his meetings with a number of officials are of particular
importance for strengthening cooperation between the two countries
and further developing diaspora activities.
During a meeting with Karl Gardner, Director of the Irish Abroad
Unit at Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, the parties
discussed the history of friendly and cooperative relations between
Azerbaijan and Ireland, placing special emphasis on the role of the
diaspora in further developing these ties.
The committee chairman expressed sincere gratitude for the
hospitality shown and stressed that the diaspora policy implemented
under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev not only strengthens
the solidarity of Azerbaijanis around the world, but also makes an
invaluable contribution to enhancing the international standing of
modern Azerbaijan. He noted the important role played by
Azerbaijanis living abroad, including compatriots in Ireland, in
promoting the country’s image and Azerbaijani culture. It was
emphasized that the large-scale projects of the State Committee on
Work with Diaspora aimed at the new generation of Azerbaijanis are
focused on increasing Azerbaijan’s global influence and forming a
strong community capable of representing the country
internationally in the future.
Having familiarized himself with the multifaceted activities of
the Azerbaijani diaspora, Karl Gardner highlighted the importance
of studying the experience of Azerbaijani Houses operating abroad,
as well as the Azerbaijani weekend schools functioning under
them.
At the end of the discussions, the parties expressed confidence
that useful results would be achieved regarding the future
development of the Azerbaijani and Irish diasporas.
Later, a meeting was held with a delegation led by Tony
McCormack, head of the Ireland–Azerbaijan interparliamentary
friendship group. The sides discussed opportunities for
implementing joint projects in the diaspora sphere, as well as the
importance of strengthening strategic cooperation.
During the meeting, information was provided about successful
cooperation with Azerbaijani diaspora organizations operating in
more than 70 countries around the world, aimed at preserving the
national and cultural identity of Azerbaijanis living abroad,
uniting them on a common platform, and conveying the truth about
Azerbaijan to the international community. It was noted that the
activities of the Azerbaijani community in Ireland and strong ties
with Irish people friendly toward Azerbaijan remain in constant
focus.
Tony McCormack, for his part, emphasized that bilateral meetings
would contribute to the further expansion of cooperation and that
the diaspora plays an important role in this process. Recalling his
visit to Azerbaijan in April this year, he said that his visits to
Victory Park, as well as the cities of Shusha and Khankendi, left a
strong impression on him.
Honorary Consul of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Ireland Terry
Leyden, who attended the meeting, expressed his deep affection for
Azerbaijan and highlighted the country’s significant achievements
since gaining independence. Members of the Irish Parliament also
expressed their friendly attitude toward Azerbaijan and stressed
the importance of further strengthening cooperation between the two
countries.