A photo exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of outstanding political and state figure Heydar Aliyev, initiated by the Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC), has been arranged at the Culture Center operating at the Azerbaijani embassy in Rome, Italy.

Supported by the Azerbaijani embassy in the Holy See, the event brought together Azerbaijani compatriots working, studying and living in Italy.

Addressing the event, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Italy Rashad Aslanov underscored the unparalleled contributions of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, emphasizing his significant role in restoring independence and establishing and developing the Azerbaijani state. He noted that the foundation for the Azerbaijan-Italy relations, now elevated to the level of strategic partnership, was laid by the National Leader.

The Azerbaijani diplomat informed that the exhibition, held as part of the “Year of Heydar Aliyev”, featured footage of the Great Leader’s visit to Italy, including meetings held in Italian cities of Naples and Rome. He noted that during Heydar Aliyev’s leadership, the cities of Baku and Naples were declared twin cities in 1972.

In his remarks, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the Holy See Ilgar Mukhtarov elaborated on the illustrious life and activities of the founder and architect of the Azerbaijani state. He said that Heydar Aliyev`s domestic and foreign policies played a crucial role in shaping the modern, strong and independent Azerbaijan we see today. He also mentioned Heydar Aliyev’s meetings in Vatican in 1997, as well as the visit of Pope John Paul II to Azerbaijan in 2002 at the invitation of the Great Leader.