In attendance were Choi Yang-sik, mayor of Gyeongju City, and Ramzi Teymurov, ambassador of Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble, Ensemble of Ancient Musical Instruments, saz players, pianists and singers from the city of Gabala Azerbaijan, performed in celebration of Azerbaijan Day. "Hosting Azerbaijan Day within the Gyeongju Silk Road Cultural Festival 2015 attains great importance in terms of introducing the rich culture of Azerbaijan to the Korean public, and also serves the strengthening of people-to-people exchange between our nations,” the ambassador said in his speech.

The program started with the national anthems of both Korea and Azerbaijan, which were followed by speeches from the Mayor Choi and Ambassador Teymurov. Ambassador Teymurov expressed his gratitude to Kim Kwan-yong, governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do; Mehriban Aliyeva, first lady of Azerbaijan who was also in attendance; the President of the Azerbaijani Culture Friends Foundation; the Seoul-Baku Azerbaijan-Korean Cultural Exchange Association; and the Mayor of Gyeongju City for their support in organizing "Azerbaijan Day.”

Previously, on Aug. 20, Mayor Choi and Sabuhi Abdullayev, chief of executive power of Gabala City, also signed an "Agreement on Establishment of Friendly Relations between Gabala City of Azerbaijan and Gyeongju City of Korea.” During the ceremony, Choi Yang-sik and Sabuhi Abdullayev both expressed their willingness to enhance regional cooperation between the two cities.

The Gyeongju Silk Road Cultural Festival 2015 will last until Oct. 18. Thirty different nations, including Azerbaijan, are participating in the festival that aims to promote Gyeongju internationally through cultural exchanges with Silk Road countries. 

 

(businesskorea.co.kr)