Unveiled in Ljubljana statue of Nizami Ganjavi…

A statue of prominent Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi has been unveiled in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Participants in the ceremony included Azerbaijani MPs, head of Ganja Executive Authority Elmar Valiyev, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Austria, Slovenia and Slovakia Galib Israfilov, embassy staff, Speaker of the Slovenian National Council Mitja Bervar, First Deputy Mayor of Ljubljana Ales Cerin, as well as members of local general public. Deputy Mayor Ales Cerin thanked the Azerbaijani side for assistance in erecting the statue. He said he was honored that a statue of great Azerbaijani thinker and poet Nizami Ganjavi was unveiled in the Slovenian capital. Elmar Valiyev thanked the Slovenian side on behalf of the Azerbaijani people and Ganja residents. He said the fact that the statue stands in Ljubljana would deepen the friendly relations between the two countries’ people. Azerbaijani businessman Artur Abdinov said he was honored as Nizami Ganjavi was immortalized in another European city. An Azerbaijani carpet with motifs of Nizami Ganjavi’s works was presented to Ljubljana Municipality. The statue was made by Ukrainian sculptor and architect Seyfeddin Gurbanov.

Ilham Aliyev received special envoy of President of the People’s Republic of China

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has today received a delegation led by special envoy of the President of the People's Republic of China, member of the Politburo of the Communist Party, Secretary of the party`s Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission Meng Jianzhu. President Ilham Aliyev expressed his confidence that the visit of the Chinese delegation led by the President`s special envoy Meng Jianzhu would be successful and contribute to the strengthening of the friendly ties between the two countries. Saying that the bilateral cooperation covered many spheres, the head of state noted that relations between Azerbaijan and China were successfully developing in political, economic, transport, trade and humanitarian areas. The President said that the expansion of cooperation in the areas of law-enforcement and security could contribute to the strengthening of the bilateral relations. Special envoy Meng Jianzhu thanked the Azerbaijani President for high hospitality. He extended the greetings and best wishes of President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping to the head of state. Meng Jianzhu said his delegation included senior officials of all law-enforcement and security bodies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Saying that the people of China had great respect for national leader Heydar Aliyev and President Ilham Aliyev, he noted: “Heydar Aliyev is the national leader of the people of Azerbaijan in a true sense of the word. You successfully continue his policy. Under your leadership, Azerbaijan`s economy is rapidly developing, public and political stability has been fully ensured, people enjoy high spirits and mood.” Meng Jianzhu said China was interested in expanding cooperation with Azerbaijan in the fields of security, law-enforcement, fight against terrorism, transnational economic crimes, cybercrimes, as well as in ensuring security along the Great Silk Road. He pointed out that cooperation in the field of security could contribute to regional cooperation. The Chinese President`s special envoy described the Great Silk Road project as a promising one. Meng Jianzhu hailed the Azerbaijani President`s state visit to China as successful, saying important documents on the expansion of cooperation were signed during the visit. He also noted that presidents Ilham Aliyev and Xi Jinping enjoyed friendly ties, saying China regarded Azerbaijan as a friendly and fraternal country. Meng Jianzhu said the main goal of the visit was to give impetus to the execution of agreements achieved by the heads of state during the Azerbaijani President`s state visit to China. The special envoy said that prior to visiting Azerbaijan he met with President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, who described Azerbaijan as a beautiful country and expressed his desire to visit it. President Ilham Aliyev thanked the Chinese President`s special envoy for kind words about national leader Heydar Aliyev and Azerbaijan. The head of state said that national leader Heydar Aliyev played an exceptional role in the establishment of fundamental principles of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and China. The President said that founded by the national leader, internal and foreign policy as well as the policy of development of relations with China successfully continued. Saying that China was a friendly and fraternal country for Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev said that development of ties with China was among key foreign policy priorities of Azerbaijan. The head of state said that this was once again evidenced by the meetings and fruitful discussions held during his visit to China. The President pointed to good prospects for cooperation in transportation of goods by railway from China to Europe passing through Azerbaijan, adding that active work was conducted in this regard. Underlining the importance of Azerbaijan-China cooperation in combating terrorism, extremism and separatism, President Ilham Aliyev said Azerbaijan faced Armenian terrorism and separatism. He noted that the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict must be solved in accordance with norms and principles of international law, within Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity. The head of state reaffirmed Azerbaijan`s support for territorial integrity of China. President Ilham Aliyev said Azerbaijan was interested in having more Chinese companies involved in its economy and expanding tourism cooperation. The head of state thanked China for its support when Azerbaijan was granted a dialogue partner status by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The President added that active cooperation with the organization was among key foreign policy priorities of Azerbaijan. President Ilham Aliyev thanked for the greetings of President Xi Jinping and asked the special envoy to extend his greetings to the Chinese leader. The head of state invited Xi Jinping to pay an official visit to Azerbaijan at his convenience. Results of the Vienna meeting on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was discussed during the meeting. The Chinese side said they wanted the conflict to be solved peacefully. The Chinese President`s special envoy Meng Jianzhu said his country respected Azerbaijan`s efforts to ensure its territorial integrity

Azerbaijan-Turkey brotherhood…

Two main avenues in Davulga municipality, Emirdag region, Eskisehir province, Turkey, have been named Qarabagh and Ganja. A ceremony held on this occasion was attended by representatives of Davulga general public, Azerbaijanis living and working in Eskisehir, local residents of Qarabagh origin, representatives of non-governmental organizations and media. In his opening remarks, head of Emirdag Culture and Arts Association Ahmet Urfali said the region was home to 15,000 people of Qarabagh origin. “They are playing an active role in the public and political life of Turkey. At the same time they do not forget their ties to Azerbaijan and preserve their cultural legacy.” Chairman of Davulga municipality Salih Gundogan, of Qabagh origin, hailed Azerbaijan-Turkey brotherhood. “The fact that the two main avenues in Davulga have been named Qarabagh and Ganja, on the one hand, symbolizes unity with the Azerbaijani people, and on the other, shows respect of local people of Qarabagh origin for their ancestors,” he said.

Montenegro will participate in all NATO meetings as an observer

NATO Foreign Ministers signed the Accession Protocol for Montenegro, marking a historic step in Montenegro’s path to the Alliance, on May 19, according to NATO official website. Speaking at a joint press conference with Montenegrin Prime Minister Djukanovic, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg underlined that today’s decision is “a clear sign that NATO’s door remains open for partners that share and promote our values.” The Secretary General noted that, as of today, Montenegro will participate in all NATO meetings as an observer. Once all Allies have ratified the Protocol, Montenegro will be invited to accede to the Washington Treaty and become the 29th member of the Alliance. Mr. Stoltenberg highlighted that Montenegro already contributes to NATO operations, promoting regional cooperation in the Balkans and implementing major reforms. “Membership will give Montenegro the ability to help shape NATO policy. It will bring more stability and security to the region, and therefore promoting prosperity,” said the Secretary General. Mr. Stoltenberg added that the road to NATO membership is not easy, but Montenegro is showing that it is possible. “I expect we will soon see twenty-nine Allied flags flying outside of NATO headquarters. NATO membership will bring Montenegro into our unique family of nations - the most successful alliance in history,” said the Secretary General.

International Monetary Fund mission on Azerbaijan…

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has today received head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission on Azerbaijan Mohamed El Gorchi.President Ilham Aliyev hailed long-term successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and the International Monetary Fund. Saying this cooperation covers various formats, the head of state noted that the partnership has already entered a new phase. President Ilham Aliyev highly appreciated IMF’s support and recommendations for economic progress in Azerbaijan. The head of state expressed his confidence that the activities of the mission led by Mohamed El Gorchi would strengthen the country’s relations with this organization and contribute to continuation of substantial reforms. President Ilham Aliyev noted that the dramatic fall in global oil prices naturally led to decrease in the revenues. However, measures taken in the country such as consolidation of the budget and reforms to diversify economy helped to eliminate serious risks. The head of state said he hoped that cooperation between Azerbaijan and the IMF would successfully continue. Head of the International Monetary Fund mission on Azerbaijan Mohamed El Gorchi highly appreciated the measures taken by the Azerbaijani government to eliminate the complications caused by the global economic crisis. Mohamed El Gorchi said that devaluation of manat and other measures protected national production in Azerbaijan, and boosted exports in non-oil sector. He described the steps taken by the Azerbaijani government as brave and successful. Head of the International Monetary Fund mission on Azerbaijan Mohamed El Gorchi stressed the importance of focusing on the banking sector in the current circumstances. Mohamed El Gorchi noted that the IMF was ready to conduct exchange of views with related institutions in Azerbaijan, render technical assistance to the country and participate in the relevant consultations.

Taekwondo fighters contest…

Azerbaijani taekwondo fighters are competing at the European Championship, which kicked off today in Montreux, Switzerland. Azerbaijan`s squad includes 17 fighters. In 54kg weight class, Majid Sofiyev, Ilham Aliyev, in 58kg weight category, Mammadali Guliyev and in 46kg Kardelen Ciftci will be in action on the first day of the championship, where a total of 387 fighters from 48 countries are contesting medals.

“A country of Unusual Shia-Sunni Harmony”…

The Jewish Journal has published an article about harmony of religions in Azerbaijan. Written by Milikh Yevdayev the article says: “Our capital of Baku boasts an incomparably beautiful Heydar Mosque, the largest Mosque in the entire South Caucasus region. Named after Heydar Aliyev - the founder of the modern Azerbaijan and its third President (1993-2003) - the Heydar Mosque is not only known for its incredible beauty. Since its inception, the Mosque has also become a symbol of peace, tolerance and unity. As part of what is called the Year of Multiculturalism, proclaimed in Azerbaijan by President Ilham Aliyev, on Friday, January 15, 2016, a joyful crowd of religious, government and community leaders joined together to witness and participate in a groundbreaking experience -- a “unity prayer” of Muslims. The imams of the Mosque take turns in leading the prayers. Azerbaijan’s Muslim communities are led by Haji Allahshükür Pashazade, the Sheikh ul-Islam of Azerbaijan and the entire Caucasus region. Sheikh ul-Islam Pashazade is the world's only Muslim cleric giving Muslims fatwas according to their relevant madhab. The Sheikh ul-Islam is recognized and respected as a religious authority not only in Azerbaijan and neighboring Georgia, as well as in the Northern Caucasus republics, which are part of the Russian Federation such as Dagestan, Ingushetia, Chechnya, Karachay-Cherkessia, and others. The Jewish communities here - the Mizrahi Mountainous Jews as well as the Ashkenazi Jews - all celebrate a perfect freedom of identity and practice, as Muslims enjoy this same harmony, just as the Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran, LDS and Evangelical Christians do too. Many great Jewish and also Christian and Muslim leaders have spoken throughout the years of the immense opportunity for peace to be found and shared in the social landscape of Azerbaijan.” “I imagine how they must feel when they see violence in the streets and hear about constant multi-cultural struggles. What I can tell them is that we are shaping a new model of collective religious harmony here in Azerbaijan, one that does not reflect the bitter disputes going on in the rest of the world, one that I hope will be seen as a positive change for the world we live in. When we discuss and find hope in Azerbaijan’s “Template for Dialogue and Peace” between religions, we can definitely learn many profound lessons for a better future by embracing and understanding how in Azerbaijan peace also exists within the diversity of the Muslim faith.

The price of oil fell in the world market

On the New York Stock Exchange NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange) cost of the US Light crude oil decreased $0.03 to stand at $48.63. Price of the Brent crude oil at the London ICE (InterContinental Exchange Futures) fell $0.12 to trade at $49.44.The price of a barrel of Azeri Light crude oil decreased $1.84 to stand at $49.32 on the world markets.

Strategic currency reserves…

The strategic currency reserves of Azerbaijan in the first quarter of 2015 exceeded the country's external debt fivefold, according to the Azerbaijani Central Bank's monetary policy report. "In the reporting period, the strategic currency reserves of Azerbaijan were maintained at the required level and are sufficient to cover the 25-month import of goods and services," the report said. The strategic currency reserves of Azerbaijan exceed $38 billion and assets of the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) amounted to $34.25 billion as of April 1, which is a 2-percent increase as compared to the early 2016 ($33.57 billion). Official exchange rate as of May 14 is 1.5093 AZN/USD. Currency reserves owned by the Central Bank of Azerbaijan stood at $4065.8 million as of April 1 (having decreased by 18.95 percent during the same quarter). During the reporting period, remittances to Azerbaijan amounted to $174 million, whereas in the first quarter of 2015 the figure was $234 million. "In the first quarter of 2016, foreign investments directed to Azerbaijan's main capital, amounted to two billion manats (68.7 percent of the total investments to the main capital), according to the State Statistics Committee of Azerbaijan," said the report. The greatest part of investments to Azerbaijan's main capital accounted for investors from the UK, Turkey, Russia, Iran, the US, Japan, Malaysia and Sweden.

The essence of Karabakh has been represented at the Royal Windsor Horse Show

The essence of Karabakh has been represented at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. This extraordinary event took place in the grounds of Windsor Castle to celebrate the 90th birthday of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II. The European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS) organised the Azerbaijani participation in conjunction with the Azerbaijan Equestrian Federation (ARAF). The event featured 15 glorious Karabakh Horses that have been brought to Windsor on a trip that took two and a half months. It also featured a team of dancers from the Azerbaijan State Song and Dance Ensemble (its named after Fikrat Amirov). The story of the horses is inextricably connected with the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. Sadly, these magnificent beasts can no longer be bred in the area from which they originated, due to the Armenian occupation. Without the courage of their devoted riders and grooms, the horses would undoubtedly have perished during the Armenian invasion in 1993. The horses were led to safety by the stable staff, at great personal risk. The presence of the horses and dancers is complemented by an Azerbaijani cultural pavilion, from which cay tea, paklava, books and CDs are being distributed, and live music is being performed. This includes a special guest performance by renowned tar player Rafiq Rustamov and the young British-Azerbaijani mugham singer Fidan Hajiyeva, who was previously featured at the BBC Promenade Concerts, having been the final BBC Radio 3 World Routes protégé. Through the medium of the cultural pavilion, many hundreds of Britons and horse enthusiasts from across the world have learned about Azerbaijan, and about the plight of Nagorno-Karabakh and the seven surrounding regions. During the evening, a magnificent pageant of equestrianism took place, which featured the Azerbaijani trick riders and the dance troupe. Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS said: “The presence of the Azerbaijani Karabakh Horse at the Royal Windsor Horse Show is extremely significant. Six decades after Zaman entered the Royal Mews, 15 examples of the breed will be seen dancing and trick-riding. Azerbaijanis are well aware of the significance of the Karabakh. Like hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis, the horses were forced to feel Nagorno-Karabakh by invading Armenian armed forces. I am sure that the horses, like the internally displaced persons, would wish to return to their ancient ancestral lands". Bob Blackman MP, Chairman of the Azerbaijan All-Party Parliamentary Group, was in attendance. He said: "Last night I had the honour and pleasure of attending the Royal Windsor Horse Show to celebrate Her Majesty’s 90th Birthday. As part of the celebrations, Azerbaijan has brought 15 majestic Karabakh Horses to perform for Her Majesty at the show. The performance was beautiful and exciting; it was fantastic to see Azerbaijan's national animal on British soil, and very poignant to think that right now these majestic creatures are unable to run in their ancestral lands. We hope that soon, along with the internally displaced persons (IDPs) they will be able to return home."