President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, who is paying an official visit to the Republic of Austria, has met with the Mayor and Governor of Vienna, Michael Haupl.
Mayor and Governor of Vienna Michael Haupl said:
- Mr. President,
Dear guests.
I am glad to welcome the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, to the City Council of Vienna. Welcome to the capital of Austria!
Vienna is known as a city of culture. There are both historical and modern buildings here. Admiring the concert halls and museums, everyone immediately understands where it all comes from.
Vienna is also a modern and developing city. It is a city of intercultural dialogue. The fact that Vienna, just like New York and Geneva, is home to important UN agencies shows that its specific functions and roles are recognized all over the world. Vienna is also home to the headquarters of many international organizations.
We feel very proud that we are committed to intercultural communication and dialogue in our cultural and religious contacts. Vienna is a platform of dialogue and meetings. Here, everyone believes in political and diplomatic solution options. This is based on the historical traditions and on our past.
Last year, there were extensive contacts between Vienna and Baku. Baku hosted the Viennese Ball then. It looked as though the city located on the banks of the Danube saluted the capital of Azerbaijan with music.
In late 2011, a high-level delegation of officials and businessmen paid a visit to Baku. They witnessed extensive interest in the know-how introduced by Vienna. This includes novelties in the fields of urban technologies such as the planning and management of traffic and transportation, the use of alternative energy, waste management, and the operation of culture and tourism facilities.
Azerbaijan's presence in Vienna is also on an upward trend. As an example, we can refer to the fact that the Azerbaijani Embassy is housed in the former villa of the famous and beloved Viennese architect, Hans Moz, in the 13th district of the capital. You can be sure that the people of Vienna are very attentive to that.
Mr. President, I am very glad that you have come to Vienna and will sign the "Golden Book" of our city, as it is a manifestation of mutual respect between our nations. Welcome to Vienna, and we wish your successful visit to Austria.
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Addressing the meeting, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said:
- Dear Mayor, distinguished friends.
First of all, I want to express my appreciation to the City Council for the invitation and the opportunity to meet with you.
Today, I am paying my first official visit to your beautiful country. I have had very fruitful talks with the President and the Prime Minister. We have thoroughly reviewed our bilateral friendly relations and identified many broad prospects for future cooperation. Austria and Azerbaijan are true friends and partners. The political declaration signed by the two Presidents today is called the Declaration of Friendship and Partnership. In essence, it captures the essence of our relationship. Of course, the opportunity to visit the City Council is a great honor for me.
I am confident that the relations between our countries will develop at the level of local municipalities. We have a very positive experience in this field. There is a partnership between the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan and the province of Styria, between the cities of Sumgayit and Linz. These are twinned cities.
We do hope that one day Baku and Vienna will embark on a more extensive cooperation because there are many similarities between us, between our cities. One of them is a very sensitive attitude to our historical heritage, architecture and historic monuments. The level of cooperation and trust between us is so high that the iconic symbol of Azerbaijan and Baku, the famous Maiden Tower, is currently being renovated by Austrian specialists. Many of the new symbols of Baku and beautiful buildings are designed and built by Austrian companies.
Mr. Mayor, I hope that on visiting Azerbaijan at a convenient time for you, you will see a lot of beautiful buildings designed and constructed by our Austrian friends. This increases the level of our cooperation and mutual trust. Our countries are friendly countries, and I think that the more the Azerbaijanis and the Austrians know and visit each other, the better it will be for all of us.
I was very happy to start my visit program yesterday with a visit to the statue of the author of our national anthem, our brilliant composer Uzeyir Hajibayli. His statue was erected in one of the most beautiful parts of Vienna in 2006. His famous work was staged at the Vienna theater. Two years ago, during a visit of President Fischer to Azerbaijan, we unveiled a statue of genius composer Mozart in one of the beautiful squares of Baku. This is an indication not only of our respect for the memory of our illustrious compatriots, but also of our friendship, sincere relations and mutual support.
During the visit, of course, we have discussed and will discuss our relations at the international level, our trade relations.
Today, a business forum will be held, demonstrating the potential of our country. At the same time, we will open the Azerbaijani cultural center tonight. This will be the second Azerbaijani Cultural Center to be opened in Europe. It is opening in Vienna, one of the capitals of the world culture. The opening of the Azerbaijani Cultural Center in one of the most beautiful cities of the world has a great symbolic meaning. On the one hand, this center will promote Azerbaijani culture in Austria, and on the other, it will be a meeting place where friendship and partnership between our two countries and peoples are being established.
I want to express my gratitude again for the invitation to visit such a magnificent monument of art. I wish all the people of Vienna prosperity, peace and progress. Thank you very much.
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President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the Book of Distinguished Guests of the City Government of Vienna.
The President of Azerbaijan was presented with a gift.
