BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 19. National solidarity and diaspora issues were discussed at a meeting in Greece.
This was reported by Azerbaijan’s State Committee on Work with Diaspora following a meeting between committee chairman Fuad Muradov and compatriots living in Thessaloniki during his visit to Greece.
According to the committee, Muradov and Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Greece, Arif Mammadov, first learned about the activities of the Azerbaijan House in Thessaloniki and viewed an exhibition dedicated to October 18, Restoration of Independence Day.
At the meeting held at the Azerbaijan House, participants exchanged views on the work carried out, efforts to unite compatriots in diaspora communities, and communication among diaspora members.
During the gathering with compatriots living in Thessaloniki and the surrounding areas, videos of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s speeches about the historic victory of the Azerbaijani people were shown. Participants discussed efforts to develop the Azerbaijani diaspora, strengthen national unity, and preserve national and moral values.
The event began with the national anthem of Azerbaijan. The martyrs who died for the freedom and territorial integrity of the homeland were remembered with deep respect.
Rashid Mammadov, chairman of the Gala Greece-Azerbaijan Friendship Society and head of the Azerbaijan House in Thessaloniki, briefed participants on the organization’s activities and expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani state for supporting the community’s initiatives.
Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Greece, Arif Mammadov, praised the community meeting and highlighted the role of compatriots living in Thessaloniki and the surrounding areas in strengthening solidarity between Azerbaijan and Greece. He also emphasized the state’s care and attention toward Azerbaijanis living abroad.
In his address, Muradov extended warm greetings to compatriots and highlighted the support provided by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva to Azerbaijanis living abroad. He noted that this support creates opportunities to further strengthen the diaspora and national solidarity.
Muradov also drew attention to the historical significance of October 18, Restoration of Independence Day. Compatriots living in Thessaloniki and the surrounding areas were briefed on the committee’s systematic work with Azerbaijani communities in 70 countries, as well as on the specific features of the diaspora roadmap developed for each country.
The meeting provided an opportunity for participants to exchange views. Questions from compatriots were answered, and proposals were put forward on improving the organization of community activities, launching new initiatives, and expanding diaspora ties.
In addition to compatriots, local public figures and members of the local Georgian and Russian communities attended the meeting. Greek participants and Azerbaijanis living in Greece highlighted the role of the Azerbaijani community in Thessaloniki in strengthening friendly relations between the two countries.
Rashid Mammadov received a certificate of appreciation from the State Committee on Work with Diaspora in recognition of his work supporting the Azerbaijani diaspora.
Meanwhile, 32 Azerbaijan Houses are currently operating in 21 countries around the world. One of them is the Azerbaijan House in Thessaloniki, which has been operating since 2017. The State Committee on Work with Diaspora provides these centers with the necessary resources.
