AZERBAIJANI AMBASSADOR MEETS FRENCH STUDENTS

news.az
March 29 2010
Azerbaijan

Ambassador to France Elcin Amirbeyov delivered a lecture on
"Azerbaijan`s foreign policy" for students of Paris Institute of
Political Science.

Ambassador Amirbeyov spoke of the Azerbaijan`s independent foreign
policy. He said Azerbaijan is interested in peaceful co-existence
with its neighbors.

Amirbeyov briefed students on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Armenian
aggression and its consequences. According to him, OSCE`s and Council
of Europe`s documents clearly indicate that Armenia`s aggressive policy
is unacceptable. He pointed out peaceful resolution of the conflict
based on the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan was stressed at a
NATO summit in Strasbourg and Kehl.

The Ambassador pointed out Azerbaijan plays an exceptional role in
ensuring Europe`s energy security.

Amirbeyov noted Azerbaijan worthily fulfils its COE obligations
concerning democracy, freedom of speech, rule of law, human rights. He
pointed out the country puts emphasis on cooperation with the Council
of Europe, European Union, OSCE and other international organizations.

On the Azerbaijan`s European integration, the ambassador said the
country develops economic, political and social cooperation with the
European Union and takes an active part in the European Neighborhood
Policy Elcin Amirbeyov gave a lecture at the invitation of Professor
of the Paris Institute, Belgian Senator Anne Marie Lizin.

Elchin Amirbayov also has visited the Institute of oriental languages
and civilizations, INALCO, where he met its rector Jacques Legrand.

The Ambassador gave an interview to AzerTAc`s Paris-based correspondent
about his visit to the institute and meeting with the rector.

The following are excerpts from the interview: "It was a
familiarization visit. We discussed prospects for cooperation with the
institute. Mr. Jacques Legrand highly praised INALCO`s cooperation
with Azerbaijan. He said he visited Azerbaijan and was impressed by
what he saw in the country which has ancient history and rich culture."

"During the meeting we mostly discussed the activity of the
department of Azerbaijani language at INALCO, which was inaugurated
with participation of Azerbaijan`s first lady, President of the
Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador
Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva."

"Ninety languages, including Azerbaijani are taught in the institute.

But, unfortunately, the languages are not taught on the same
level here. And our major goal is to improve and strengthen the
teaching of Azerbaijani. The teaching process must feature not only
linguistic aspects of our language, but also historical and cultural
characteristics of Azerbaijan. We proposed that the institute review
its teaching program.

"And rector Mr. Legrand showed positive attitude towards our proposal
and agreed to visit Azerbaijan once again for concrete discussions.

Now our embassy and the institute are working together to fix the
date of Mr. Legrand`s visit."

"It gives us great pleasure that Azerbaijani language has been taught
for more than ten years in Paris, one of the largest European cities
and the world`s cradle of culture."

"At first, Azerbaijani language was taught in the institute in an
unorganized manner. And including it in the official teaching program
has been an extremely important step. But, of course, we must not stop
on this. And cooperation between the institute and the Azerbaijani
side is of essence here."