Aliyev Thanks CIS for Naming Lachin "Cultural Capital"

During the restricted-format session of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev delivered a speech in which he focused on strengthening cooperation in the humanitarian sphere and on the cultural and sports events carried out by Azerbaijan within the CIS framework.

In his speech, Aliyev expressed special thanks to the heads of the CIS states for supporting the candidacy of the city of Lachin (the city of Berdzor in occupied Artsakh) as the CIS cultural capital this year. He noted that the solemn opening ceremony of the "CIS Cultural Capital of the Year" took place there this June, during which information was presented about "the history and cultural heritage of this ancient Azerbaijani land." According to Aliyev, "the guests of the event witnessed the rapid revival of the settlement."

Addressing sports cooperation, the President of Azerbaijan highlighted the 3rd CIS Games held from September 28 to October 8 of this year. Incidentally, some of them were also held in occupied Artsakh. "Such events strengthen friendship and cooperation in the Commonwealth space and beyond its borders, contribute to the strengthening of relations based on equality, consideration of mutual interests, and mutual respect," Aliyev stated.