Opinions & Interviews

MOGILEV, 11 November (BelTA) - International cultural forums bring countries closer to each other, Director of the Center of Cultural Studies of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan Asif Usubaliyev told journalists on 11 November as he attended the international forum Traditional Culture as a Strategic Resource for Sustainable Development of the Society held in Mogilev from 11 through 13 November, BelTA has learned.

According to Asif Usubaliyev, any international event is, first of all, an exchange of experience, methods and achievements. Cultural events are of special significance as culture is a universal instrument that helps bring nations closer, secures integration and cooperation between countries. Azerbaijan supports any event that aims at the revival of cultural heritage and its popularization.

“The need for cooperation in reviving and popularizing intangible cultural heritage in the world community is not even discussed. It is a necessary condition, the same as the preservation of the identity of all small and young independent states in the age of globalization. Azerbaijan, the same as Belarus, despite its rich history, acquired independence not long ago. That means we should share the experience of our countries in the preservation and revival of cultural heritage, cooperate in order to adopt the best practices,” the participant of the forum said.

Asif Usubaliyev also praised the high organizational level of the international forum in Mogilev. “I have visited Belarus many times but I saw only Minsk. Over the three days of the forum in Mogilev the Azerbaijani delegation has fallen in love with the city, its hospitable people, beautiful architecture, cleanness and order,” he said.