At the event it was noted that Gabala, which was the capital of the Caucasian Albania thousand years ago, now is popular with its beautiful nature, mountains, monuments, tourism and entertainment centers, ski resorts and annual jazz and classical music festivals.
The event was attended by EP members and staff, head of the Mission of Azerbaijan to NATO, Ambassador Khazar Ibrahim, representatives of the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the EU and diplomatic corps accredited in Brussels, as well as Azerbaijani and foreign students studying in European countries and journalists.
MEP Ivo Vajgl of Slovenia said Azerbaijan is an important partner of the European Union, noting that talks are regularly held for further development of relations with this country.
“Of course, we want to see Azerbaijan as a full democratic country. Though we sometimes criticize Azerbaijan, we shouldn’t forget that this country has values of secularism and tolerance. I am a friend of this country. I have also visited Gabala district. It`s very beautiful city with an ancient history and rich culture, its people are distinguished by the likeableness and hospitality,” he added.
Vajgl also touched on a great tragedy of the Azerbaijani people - the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict that resulted in the occupation of the Azerbaijani territories.
MEP Boris Zala of Slovakia noted the merits of Azerbaijani MP Elkhan Suleymanov who introduced the country personally to him and other European colleagues, stressing the importance of promoting other districts of Azerbaijan, like Gabala in Europe.
Head of the OIC Permanent Observer Mission to the EU, Ambassador Arif Mammadov, Director of the Brussels office of the European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS) Marc Verwilghen, and co-founder of "ASPI AGRO" LLC, engaged in the production of “Savalan” wines in Gabala, Arif Rahimov also delivered speeches.
At the end of the official part, Vajgl’s spouse Mojca Zlobko Vajgl performed on harp for the guests.
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