Shvydkoy: UNESCO to make sure Azerbaijani President’s statements on cultural monuments are implemented

“The protection of cultural monuments is a very delicate and difficult issue, Soviet and Russian art critic, Special Representative of the Russian President for International Cultural Cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoy told Report.

According to him, it is not a coincidence that this issue has today become topical again: “President Ilham Aliyev’s statement about Azerbaijan’s attention to all monuments located in the territories of Azerbaijan, regardless of religion or ethnicity, is of great importance. I am confident that the UNESCO experts, who will visit the region, will make sure that these words of the President have been implemented."

Earlier, President Ilham Aliyev said the UNESCO mission was planning to visit Azerbaijan next month.

Shvydkoy stressed that the attitude to monuments is always a very sensitive topic, which testifies to the good neighborliness and goodwill of the Azerbaijani people.

He also spoke about his recent visit to Baku as a member of a delegation led by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

M.Shvidkoy underlined the importance of cultural relations between the two countries: “I hope that Azerbaijan will take part as a special and honorary guest in the forum to be held in St. Petersburg in autumn. Various speeches on Azerbaijani culture are being prepared. I am sure that all participants of the forum will appreciate the flourishing of the culture that distinguishes Azerbaijan today.”

The 9th St. Petersburg International Cultural Forum will be held on November 12-14.