Azerbaijan’s diaspora chief holds talks with community members in US PHOTO

Fuad Muradov, chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Committee on Work with Diaspora, and committee officials met with members of the Azerbaijani community in Washington during his visit to the United States.

According to AZERTAC, the meeting was attended by active diaspora representatives and young people not only from Washington and surrounding areas, but also from various US states.

The event began with the national anthems of Azerbaijan and the United States. A minute of silence was then observed in memory of the martyrs who lost their lives for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. A film about the Second Karabakh War and the activities of Azerbaijanis living abroad during that period was also screened.

Speaking at the meeting, Muradov said the institutional development of the Azerbaijani diaspora, strengthening coordination among communities and promoting the idea of Azerbaijanism are the main priorities. He emphasized that in recent years, the number of “Azerbaijan Houses,” Sunday schools and various diaspora platforms abroad has increased, while programs aimed at more actively involving young people in diaspora activities are being implemented.

Speaking positively about the consolidation of the Azerbaijani community in the United States and the establishment of the Azerbaijani-American Alliance, the committee chairman called on community members to engage in more active cooperation around the platform.

Muradov said that alongside information campaigns, diaspora activities are now placing greater emphasis on organizing scientific conferences, forums and exhibitions, preparing publications and establishing various professional networks. He stressed that initiatives by Azerbaijanis living abroad, particularly projects bringing together young people and professionals from different fields, will continue to receive support.

During the event, Muradov presented members of the community Sevda Tahirli and Elmar Bayramov with medals of the Republic of Azerbaijan “For Services in Diaspora Activities.”

Representatives of the diaspora and young people who had arrived from various cities and states across the United States then delivered speeches. New projects and initiatives by young people were presented, along with information about their objectives and significance for the community.

Participants also exchanged views on areas of future activity and planned initiatives.

At the end of the meeting, Muradov answered questions from diaspora representatives and listened to their proposals and opinions. Views were exchanged on issues of interest to members of the community.

By Jeyhun Aghazada