By Rustam Gasimov

An exhibition of paintings by prominent Azerbaijani artist Ashraf Heybat was held at the National Art Museum yesterday. 

The exhibition, which coincided with Heybat’s jubilee, was attended by government officials including  Adalat Valiyev, deputy minister of culture and tourism, Agali Ibrahimov, secretary of the Union of Painters, Asim Mollazade, chairman of the Democratic Reforms Party and a member of parliament, among others. 

In his speech, Mollazade noted Heybat’s valuable contribution to the promotion of Azerbaijani culture in Europe. 

“Each country has its own mission. The strategy of the Azerbaijani people has always been to demonstrate our rich culture and national values to the world,” Mollazade said. “Such a talented painter as Ashraf Heybat represented our culture in European countries. I am proud of that.”

Mollazade went on to say: “I am grateful to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for organizing such an important event. I believe that events like these should be organized at the European Parliament in Strasbourg and the UN office in Geneva as well. We need to demonstrate our culture to the world through such events. It is very interesting that Ashraf Heybat is going to demonstrate to the entire world the culture of nations located along the Great Silk Way. Today one of the missions of the Azerbaijani people is to bring together the cultures of the East and the West. I would like to cordially congratulate Ashraf Heybat on his birthday and on this exhibition held in Baku today." 

“The main mission of our party is integration into Europe. I am confident that Ashraf Heybat will continue to promote Azerbaijani culture in the world,” Mollazade said.

ANN.Az