A conference on `Religious tolerance: culture of co-existence in Azerbaijan` was held in Paris as part of the project `Azerbaijan in the heart of Paris` organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation on September 8.
The first lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva attended the conference.
Speaking at the conference, M.Aliyeva said that Azerbaijan was historically located at the junction of civilizations and cultures, and was a bridge between Asia and Europe and that these factors played an important role in the cultiral diversity in the country.
"Traditions of tolerance still live in our country. Azerbaijan is a member of both the Organization for Islamic Cooperation and the Council of Europe. We are proud of our cultural and historical heritage", said Mehriban Aliyeva, reminding that along with mosques there are also churches and synagogues in Azerbaijan, which proves that the freedom of faith is ensured in the country.
In her speech, the first lady also touched upon the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, reminding that 20% of Azerbaijani lands are under occupation, 1 million of residents were turned into refugees and displaced persons, 613 civilians of Azerbaijani city of Khojaly were brutally murdered, historical and cultural monuments of Azerbaijan were destroyed.
Mehriban Aliyeva thanked the conference participants saying that such events promote closer ties between the two nations. She also suggested holding the second part of the event in Baku.
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