Azerbaijani president supports stronger ties with diaspora, official says PHOTO

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev attaches particular importance to strengthening ties with Azerbaijanis abroad, says State Committee on Work with Diaspora Chairman Fuad Muradov.

Speaking at the first Muslim Diaspora Forum of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Ankara, Türkiye, he noted that the president supports their organisation, preserving national identity and encouraging their active participation in the public life of their countries of residence, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Muradov stressed that the concept of diaspora can no longer be limited to communities living outside their historical homelands.

“Diasporas have become living bridges connecting nations, cultures, knowledge, and cooperation between countries of origin and countries of residence. They contribute significantly to the social, economic, scientific, and cultural life of the societies they live in, while faithfully preserving their ties with their homelands, national identity, languages, and cultural heritage,” he added.

In his words, guided by the President's policy, the government places special emphasis on expanding relations with Azerbaijani communities worldwide, strengthening the activities of diaspora organisations, and further developing institutions such as Azerbaijani Houses, Sunday schools, and other diaspora structures.

The forum, dedicated to the theme From Roots to Routes, aims to facilitate the exchange of experience in diaspora policies and initiatives, strengthen cooperation among diaspora institutions of OIC member states and explore ways to make more effective use of the potential of Muslim diasporas.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov