Mehriban Aliyeva was honoured with the title of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador

Director General of UNESCO has conferred the Chairperson of the Fund of Friends of the Azerbaijan Culture Mehriban Aliyeva with the honorary title of UNESCO's Goodwill Ambassador, on August, 2004. The letter sent in this end, runs:

"First Lady of Azerbaijan Ms. Mehriban Aliyeva,

Dear Ms. Aliyeva,

I was pleased to meet You in January current year during Your visit to the HQ of UNESCO. With great pleasure I familiarized with the activity of the Fund of Friends of the Azerbaijan Culture, founded by You and the activity of which coincide with the goals and intentions of UNESCO. I would particularly note Your assistance to development of musical education and other important projects being implemented within Your powers in Azerbaijan.

Basing on the above-mentioned and also as a sign of estimation of Your contributions in achievement of significant results in support of the projects on development and distribution folk music, as well as literature and poetry, I with great pleasure confer You with the honorary title of Goodwill Ambassador in the field of UNESCO's oral and musical traditions. The conferment ceremony will be held on 9 September 2004 at the HQ of UNESCO.

Ms. Basma Irsheid, Chief of Program of Goodwill Ambassadors has been assigned as a Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO to coordinate Your intentions with the Organization's activity, in particular, in the field of rendering assistance to development and distribution of the non-material vocal heritage.

With the hope to greet You shortly among the prominent personalities who assist in propaganda of the role of UNESCO and in familiarization of public with the Organization's goals and intentions

Sincerely Yours,

Mr. Koichiro Matsuura,

UNESCO Director-General

Paris, 13 August 2004"