The Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, on Tuesday called on Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, at his office.
He presented several proposals aimed at deepening cultural cooperation between the two countries, including broader cultural exchanges, joint music promotion, and collaborative heritage preservation projects.
He called for the full implementation of the Cultural Exchange Program 2024–2029, which was signed during the state visit of the President of Azerbaijan to Pakistan in July 2024.
The ambassador also highlighted the upcoming International Music Festival to be held in Azerbaijan from September 18–28, 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 musical content to be provided by Azerbaijan.
The envoy also sought Pakistan’s cooperation in the Azerbaijani Cultural Heritage in the World project, which aims to promote and protect Azerbaijani culture globally. The initiative involves cataloging, documenting, and showcasing Azerbaijani cultural symbols such as paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, and artifacts located in museums, libraries, archives, and private collections worldwide. He emphasized that Pakistan’s support would be vital in facilitating this work.
Welcoming the envoy, Minister Khichi noted that Pakistan and Azerbaijan enjoy longstanding relations rooted in shared Islamic values, similar traditions, and deep people-to-people ties. He recalled his visit to Baku, praising the hospitality and cultural richness of Azerbaijan, and assured full support for new cultural initiatives.
The envoy reiterated his request for Pakistan’s cooperation in the Azerbaijani Cultural Heritage in the World project, which documents and preserves Azerbaijani cultural assets such as paintings, sculptures, monuments, manuscripts, and artifacts housed in museums, libraries, and private collections worldwide.
Minister Khichi welcomed these suggestions, announcing Pakistan’s readiness to send artists to the September festival and inviting Azerbaijani cultural troupes to present their music, art, and heritage in Pakistan. He proposed holding an Azeri Cultural Festival in Islamabad and suggested traveling exhibitions to promote mutual understanding.
Responding to the ambassador’s wish to promote the traditional Pakistani and Azeri cultural attire the Sherwani the minister expressed full support for introducing the garment on the international stage. He noted that Pakistan’s Prime Minister and President often wear the Sherwani on special occasions.
Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division, Asad Rehman Gillani, who was also present at the meeting, reiterated Pakistan’s interest in expanding cultural exchanges and suggested sending Buddha artisans to Azerbaijan as part of cultural exhibitions.
Both sides agreed to enhance cultural cooperation, renew existing MoUs in heritage and culture, and further develop people-to-people contacts, with the ambassador acknowledging the presence of Azerbaijani cultural corners in Pakistani institutions as a positive step toward deeper ties.
