Pakistan, Azerbaijan cultural ties gain momentum with new initiatives

August 13, 2025 (MLN): The full implementation of the Cultural Exchange Program 2024–2029 signed during the state visit of the President of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, has been emphasized as part of efforts to deepen bilateral cultural cooperation.

The call was made during a meeting in Islamabad between Azerbaijani Ambassador Khazar Farhadov and Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi.

During the discussions the envoy presented several proposals, including broader cultural exchanges, joint music promotion, and collaborative heritage preservation projects.

Farhadov highlighted the upcoming International Music Festival in Azerbaijan, scheduled for September 18–28 and dedicated to renowned Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli.

Organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Culture, the event will feature artists from the USA, Korea, Germany, Switzerland, France, Turkey, and other countries.

He proposed that Pakistani radio stations broadcast Azerbaijani music during the festival and that cultural centers host related events, with Azerbaijan providing the musical content.

Seeking Pakistan’s cooperation in the “Azerbaijani Cultural Heritage in the World” project, the ambassador said the initiative aims to catalog, document and showcase Azerbaijani cultural symbols such as paintings, sculptures, manuscripts and artifacts located in museums, libraries, archives and private collections worldwide. He stressed that Pakistan’s support would be vital in advancing the project.

Minister Khichi welcomed the proposals, noting that Pakistan and Azerbaijan share deep-rooted relations based on Islamic values, similar traditions and strong people-to-people ties.

He praised the hospitality and cultural richness of Azerbaijan recalling his own visit to Baku and assured full support for new cultural initiatives.

He announced Pakistan’s readiness to send artists to the September music festival and invited Azerbaijani cultural troupes to perform in Pakistan.

He also suggested hosting an Azeri Cultural Festival in Islamabad and arranging traveling exhibitions to strengthen cultural understanding.

Responding to the envoy’s interest in promoting the traditional Sherwani as a symbol of Pakistani and Azeri attire internationally, Khichi expressed full support, noting that Pakistan’s Prime Minister and President often wear the garment on special occasions.

Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division, Asad Rehman Gillani who was present at the meeting, reiterated Pakistan’s interest in expanding cultural exchanges and proposed sending Buddha artisans to Azerbaijan for cultural exhibitions.

Both sides agreed to renew existing MoUs in heritage and culture, enhance people-to-people contacts, and expand cooperation.

The ambassador also acknowledged the presence of Azerbaijani cultural corners in Pakistani institutions as a positive step toward deeper bilateral ties.

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