Visit to Italy

In the course of 25-26 September 2018, First Vice-president of the Republic of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva was on a visit to Italy.

Meeting with the President of the Italian Senate

On September 25, Mehriban Aliyeva met President of the Italian Republic’s Senate Mrs Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati.

Great achievements reached recent years between the two countries in political, economic, commercial, legislative, cultural fields, as well as in science and education were underscored during the meeting.

Successful operation of a number of Italian companies in Azerbaijan was mentioned in the meeting. Azerbaijan’s role in securing Europe’s energy security was highly appreciated. Advancement of cultural relations between Italy and Azerbaijan, contributing to improvement of the relations between our peoples, was underscored.

A conference to mark the 100th anniversary of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan and strategic partnership relations between Azerbaijan and Italy

On September 25, a conference entitled “100th anniversary of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan and strategic partnership relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Italian Republic” took place in the Justiniani Palace in Rome.

Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening of the conference.

Mehriban Aliyeva addressed the conference.

Official dinner in honour of Mehriban Aliyeva

On September 25, an official dinner was hosted by President of the Italian Senate Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati in honour of Mehriban Aliyeva in Justiniani Palace in Rome.

First, Mehriban Aliyeva visited the “Constitution”, “Red” and “Mirror” halls in the palace.

Then, official dinner was hosted by Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati in honour of Mehriban Aliyeva.

Official dinner-party on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan

On September 25, an official dinner-party was hosted in connection with the 100th anniversary of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan in Rome.

Mehriban Aliyeva attended the official dinner-party.

Mehriban Aliyeva addressed the event.

Italian minister for economy and finance Giovanni Tria made a speech at the dinner-party.

The exhibition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan aroused interest in visitors.

Meeting with Pope Francis

On September 26, within the framework of her official visit to Italy, Mehriban Aliyeva met Pope Francis.

At the meeting, delight was expressed with the high level of relations between the Holy See and Azerbaijan, emphasizing that our cooperation has been widened in the field of protecting cultural heritage. Azerbaijan’s contribution to the dialogue between religions and cultures was underscored.

Multilateral activities of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Foundation’s works towards protecting and restoring Christian monuments were highly appreciated.

Meeting with State Secretary of the Holy See Cardinal Pietro Parolin

On September 26, Mehriban Aliyeva met with State Secretary of the Holy See Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

Azerbaijan’s playing the role of a unique cultural bridge between the East and West was noted at the meeting, highly appreciating the traditions of tolerance and multicultural environment formed in our country for centuries were highly appreciated.

In the course of conversation, contributions made by Azerbaijan to the strengthening of dialogue between cultures and religions, international events hosted in our country in this regard, and especially, works carried out and significant projects implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation were emphasized.

Inauguration of the Saint Sebastian catacombs in Vatican

On September 26, inauguration of the Saint Sebastian catacombs, restored by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, took place in Vatican.

Mehriban Aliyeva attended the ceremony.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi greeted Mehriban Aliyeva.

Then, inauguration of the Saint Sebastian catacombs, restored by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, took place.

An official dinner hosted by the Italian President in honour of Mehriban Aliyeva

On September 26, an official dinner was hosted by President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella in honour of Mehriban Aliyeva.

President Sergio Mattarella greeted First Vice-president Mehriban Aliyeva.

The delegation from Azerbaijan was introduced to President Sergio Mattarella, and Italian state and government officials were introduced to First Vice-president Mehriban Aliyeva.

Then, they were photographed.

Thereafter, an official dinner was hosted by the Italian President in honour of Azerbaijan’s First Vice-president Mehriban Aliyeva.

25-26 September 2018