The ceremonial opening of the Days of Azerbaijani culture was held at the Ukrainian National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet named after T.G. Shevchenko on Friday. The event was opened by the Azerbaijani culture minister Abulfaz Garayev and Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of Ukraine Timofei Kokhan.

Having greeted the guests, Minister Garayev spoke of Azerbaijan-Ukraine relations, saying Azerbaijan and Ukraine has maintained warm and friendly relations, close partnership in all spheres including in cultural sphere. He reminded that the Days of Azerbaijani culture were held with a great success in Ukraine in 2009.

"As a continuation of this wonderful tradition, we are again in Ukraine", the minister added. Mr. Garayev noted that along with music collectives, the current Days of Culture involves the troupe of the Azerbaijan State Russian Drama Theater named after S. Vurgun which will stage the play "Monsieur Jordan and Dervish Mastali-shah" by the founder of the national drama, classic of Azerbaijani literature Mirza Fatali Akhundzade both in Kiev and in Odessa as well.

This performance is dedicated to the 200th anniversary of Akhundzade's birthday.

Abulfaz Garayev voiced deep gratitude to the Ukrainian minister of culture and tourism for organization of the Days of Azerbaijani culture.

In his part, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of Ukraine Timofei Kohan highly appreciated mutual ties between the two countries, including the cultural component of strategic partnership. He also mentioned to the active role of the Azerbaijani diaspora in the socio-cultural life of Ukraine.

Then, the event was continued by the concert of art masters of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijani ambassador to Kiev Eynulla Madatly was among participants.

The event was also attended by the Ukraine officials, representatives of foreign diplomatic corps in Kiev, representatives of Azerbaijani diaspora and the media.

As a part of the ceremony, a photo exhibition entitled "Azerbaijan: on the brink of traditions and modernity" which presented Azerbaijan`s touristic potentiality was also held. The exhibition aroused interest of the Ukraine and foreign guests.

AzerTAc