In accordance with the Action Plan dedicated to the declaration of the city of Shusha as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2024, organized by the State Administration of the Shusha State Reserve and with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the United Arab Emirates, the "Days of Shusha" event took place in Abu Dhabi on November 26-27, 2024. The delegation, headed by Aydin Kerimov, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Shusha District, visited Abu Dhabi during this period.
During the visit, Aydin Kerimov met with the Minister of Culture of the UAE, Sheikh Salem Al Qasimi, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, Khalid Belhoul, and the Deputy Head of the Department of Urban Planning and Transport of the UAE, Saif Sultan Al Nuaimi. The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to the UAE, Elchin Bagirov, as well as members of the delegation: Tural Novruzov, Executive Director of the State Administration of the Shusha State Reserve, Elshad Iskenderov, Chief Advisor to the Special Representative, and responsible staff from the reserve. During each meeting, bilateral relations between the two countries were discussed, with particular emphasis placed on the successful high-level execution of the COP29 project in Azerbaijan, for which the Azerbaijani side received congratulations. Additionally, information was presented on the Master Plan for the city of Shusha, ideas and concepts in urban planning were exchanged, and the strengthening of relations between the two cities was discussed, alongside the development of ties in science, culture, and creativity, as well as the exchange of experience. Information was provided on the city's historical heritage, the destruction and plundering Shusha endured during the occupation, ongoing restoration work, the development of the city’s tourism potential, attracting tourists, as well as the resettlement project for residents in the new residential complex and improving the city's transport accessibility.
With the support of the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan, the "Days of Shusha" continued at the Conrad Hotel. As part of the photo exhibition "Shusha — Yesterday and Today," various photographs depicting the city's historical past, its picturesque nature, its appearance before and after the occupation, restoration works, and other significant moments were showcased. The exhibition also featured costumes of noblewomen from Karabakh and male outfits from the 18th-19th centuries, titled "Karabakh National Costumes," which sparked considerable interest. Participants were invited to taste exquisite dishes and sweets from Azerbaijani cuisine, one of the oldest and richest in the world. The event was attended by Abdelaziz Al-Neyadi, Director of the Asia and Pacific Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, and heads of government institutions from Abu Dhabi.
As part of the "Days of Shusha," a magnificent concert was held, featuring Azerbaijani cultural and art masters.
The organization of such events is an important step in strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries, based on mutual respect and the long-term partnership between our peoples.