Fuad Muradov, Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, met with members of the Azerbaijani community living in Illinois, U.S.
The event began with the national anthems of Azerbaijan and the USA, followed by a moment of silence in honor of the martyrs who died for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.
Farid Mammadov and Mehriban Mammadova, founders of the Azerbaijan Center for the Midwest States of America, welcomed the participants. Mehriban Mammadova then spoke about the community’s activities, the further expansion of its work, the growing influence of the Azerbaijani community in the U.S., and its progress towards becoming a “soft power.”
The Committee Chairman provided detailed information about the diaspora policy implemented under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, including coordination councils, Azerbaijani houses, weekend Azerbaijani schools, successful large-scale projects of the Committee, and the 5th Summer Camp of Diaspora Youth held in Lachin from August 1 to 7, which garnered significant interest among Azerbaijani youth.
Engin Tures, Turkish Consul General in Chicago, also attended the meeting and noted the importance of joint activities between the Azerbaijani and Turkish diasporas.
Nargiz Habibova, head of the Midwest Azerbaijani Student Alliance, informed participants about the organization's activities and discussed networking opportunities for student youth in the U.S., especially through social media platforms, as well as the organization's goals. The speeches emphasized that the liberation of Azerbaijan’s occupied territories and its transformation into a symbol of peace and reconciliation in the region make Azerbaijanis proud and motivate them to contribute even more to their motherland. Community members discussed the importance of forming a stronger diaspora, mechanisms of unity, the application of international experience, and proposed the future opening of an Azerbaijani House here. The positive impact of holding regular meetings with the Committee and engaging in discussions with diaspora members on community building was also highlighted.
The event featured videos showcasing the Committee’s activities and the essence of coordinated work within the diaspora movement. A wide range of ideas were exchanged, and questions were answered.
The event concluded with an artistic performance.
