Azerbaijan addresses Russian criticism over cancellation of cultural events

Aykhan Hajizada, Head of the Press Service Department of Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry, has strongly responded to comments by Mikhail Shvydkoy, Russia’s Special Representative for International Cultural Cooperation, concerning Azerbaijan’s cancellation of Russian cultural events.

In an interview with the Interfax Agency, Shvydkoy criticised the cancellations, claiming they had “impoverished Azerbaijan’s cultural environment and landscape,” Caliber.Az reports, citing the Foreign Ministry.

However, Hajizada rejected these claims as “unacceptable,” accusing Shvydkoy of distorting and taking Azerbaijan’s decision “out of context.”

“The demonstrative and deliberate acts of extrajudicial killing and violence committed by Russian law enforcement agencies in the city of Yekaterinburg against Azerbaijanis on the basis of their ethnic identity have rightfully provoked strong protest and condemnation from Azerbaijan,” Hajizada said.

He emphasised that “against the backdrop of these incidents, which have dealt a blow to bilateral relations with Russia, the decision to cancel cultural events is a fully lawful and adequate step.”

Addressing Shvydkoy’s claim that the cancellations had weakened Azerbaijan’s cultural scene, Hajizada stated: “It is surprising to hear such biased remarks from Mr. Shvydkoy, who, during his numerous visits to Azerbaijan, has repeatedly expressed his admiration for our country’s rich culture. We do not think that concert programmes by Russian singers such as Basta have impoverished Azerbaijan’s cultural landscape, as Mr. Shvydkoy puts it.”

Hajizada further highlighted Azerbaijan’s proud cultural heritage, noting that “Azerbaijani culture, which has developed over millennia, serves as an example for many nations and peoples. Azerbaijan rightfully takes pride in its unique historical and cultural monuments, as well as its rich literature, art, and music.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev