Slovak Deputy PM: Baku preserves unique blend of historic architecture and modernity

Slovakia is interested in cooperation with Azerbaijan in various fields, including urban development, Slovakia"s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment Tomáš Taraba, who arrived in Azerbaijan to participate in the 13th session of the World Urban Forum 13, said in an interview with Report.

"My visit to Azerbaijan is carried out on the instruction of the Prime Minister. The invitation (to participate in WUF13) was addressed to him, but unfortunately he has another schedule; otherwise he would definitely have been here. For us, Azerbaijan is a country with which we want to cooperate at a very high level," Taraba said.

He described Baku's urban environment as highly attractive.

"I would like to emphasize that I like the fact that in Baku you maintain not only modern buildings, but also a unique combination with the preservation and reinterpretation of the old architectural style. And in my view, this is a great approach, because modernism alone can be copied by anyone, but a city only has a soul when it is connected to its history. And that is what I really like about your city," Taraba said.

The full interview is available here.