This year marks a significant milestone in the enduring friendship between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the People’s Republic of China. Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese mainland, both nations have strengthened their ties through mutual respect and shared cultural values.
Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has achieved remarkable success in state development and improving the well-being of its citizens, taking a leading position in the international system. In tandem, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and President Xi Jinping have adopted the “Joint Declaration of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the People’s Republic of China on the establishment of a strategic partnership,” elevating bilateral relations to a new level.
“As the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to China, I am committed to enhancing our relationship across political, economic, and cultural dimensions,” said Ambassador Bunyad Huseynov. “Our nations share ancient civilizations with rich histories and cultural traditions, which lay a solid foundation for our modern relationship.”
Reflecting on his time in China, Ambassador Huseynov recounted fond memories from his previous assignment between 2006 and 2009, including the exciting days of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics where Azerbaijani athletes performed admirably. “Despite the distance of thousands of kilometers, we share similar cultural and spiritual values,” he noted. “Family is central to our communities, and traditional festivals and collective ceremonies are essential in social life.”
The historical Silk Road serves as a testament to the long-standing cultural exchanges between the two peoples. Azerbaijan’s strategic location has made it a bridge between Asia and Europe, fostering mutual sympathy and friendship. The 12th-century Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi celebrated this connection in his work “Seven Beauties,” highlighting the beauty and cultural achievements of China.
Cultural ties have continued to flourish in modern times. The Azerbaijani operetta “Arshin Mal Alan” (The Cloth Peddler) gained popularity in China after being staged in Wuhan in 1957 and Beijing in 1959. It was the first foreign musical comedy performed in Beijing and has been staged over 300 times across the country. In recent years, it has been performed entirely in Chinese, showcasing the deep cultural resonance between the nations.
“These similarities and common interests lay a solid ground for mutual friendship,” Ambassador Huseynov emphasized. “I am dedicated to fostering greater cultural relations and exchanges between our peoples, both qualitatively and quantitatively.”
As Azerbaijan and China continue to strengthen their strategic partnership, the future holds promising prospects for cooperation and shared prosperity, building on a foundation of historical ties and cultural understanding.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
