Baku, December 02, 2008

The Conference of Ministers of Culture is taking place in Baku with the sponsorship of Azercell

On December 2-3, the conference of the Ministers of Culture of the Council of Europe is taking place in Baku. This important event dedicated to Intercultural Dialogue as a basis for peace and sustainable development in Europe and its neighboring regions is organized jointly by the Government of Azerbaijan and the Council of Europe.

This event which takes place with the general sponsorship of Azercell Telecom LLC has the great importance not only for Azerbaijan, but also for the cultural life of Eastern and Western countries located at two different poles of our planet. The Baku Conference of the Ministers of Culture is organized with the initiative and special support of Mr. Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The geopolitical point of view, holding of such conference in Baku located at the crossroad of civilizations has been supported by the Council of Europe.

At the opening session of the conference, various opinions have been expressed about the basic foundations of intercultural dialogue. Further discussions have taken place on global culturology topics in this conference of the Ministers of the Council of Europe responsible for culture. During two days event, very different aspects of international cultural co-operation, as well as sustainable development in Europe and its neighboring regions and possibilities of ensuring peace by cultural relations will be reviewed by participants. Furthermore, action plan, programs and initiatives in the field of culture for the sake of intercultural dialogue will be reviewed at the level of working groups. Delegates will also discuss new concepts for the governance of diversity, heritage and intercultural dialogue – from national to universally owned heritage etc.

It is expected to adopt the Baku Declaration on intercultural dialogue. This document envisages the practical means in realizing the dialogue between Europe and its neighboring regions. It will underline in particular to put the foundation of this co-operation process in Baku.

In general, this event supported by Azercell will put the foundation of Baku process which is a new direction in cultural processes of Europe. Events that will follow in this field could serve to promote Azerbaijani culture at international level reflecting both Islamic and European culture and increase the image of the country and its importance in international processes. Due to membership of Azerbaijan to the Council of Europe and ISESCO, it is the only State that will contribute more to the development of dialogue between Europe and Islam and strengthening of co-operation between civilizations.