Speech by Ilham Aliyev at the ceremony to unveil a statue of brilliant composer Wolfgang Mozart

- Dear Mr. President!

Dear friends, distinguished guests!

Let me cordially salute you. It is a wonderful and memorable day in the history of Austrian-Azerbaijani relations. The President of Austria is visiting Azerbaijan for the first time in the history of our relations. This, of course, is an event that holds a special place in the history of our relations. This day will be unforgettable also because we have unveiled a statue of a world-famous musician, brilliant Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. A statue of brilliant Mozart has been established in the heart of our city, in this beautiful park. Let me heartily congratulate you on this wonderful event.

The immortal works of Mozart are alive today and will live forever. It is hardly possible to put his talent into words. But I think that even those unversed in the art of music and those far from it like Mozart’s works. It is impossible otherwise. The Austrians are a happy people because they have such a genius as Mozart. People in Azerbaijan, where the art of music is deeply rooted, love Mozart very much.

The opening of this statue today is also a symbol of Austrian-Azerbaijani friendship. Only friendly countries erect monuments to eminent persons of another country. We are very pleased that a statue of genius Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibayli was opened in Vienna some time ago. These steps have a great meaning. This is an initiative that unites our two countries and peoples. Uzeyir Hajibayli is the author of the national anthem of Azerbaijan. At the same time, he is the begetter of Azerbaijani classical music. I am very pleased that his work has been staged in Vienna.

The unveiling of a statue of brilliant Mozart in Baku is a tribute of the Azerbaijani people to the memory of this personality and, at the same time, a very important event for the development of Austrian-Azerbaijani friendship. Mr. President, we have been together since morning, we have done a lot and held talks. We have come here from the Austrian-Azerbaijani business forum. Our relations in the political and economic spheres are developing very rapidly and with great success. But, of course, our cultural ties contribute immensely to our cooperation.

I think that this park, as a small part of Austria, will also be appreciated by residents of Baku. The Austrian Embassy is already in operation in Azerbaijan. I think this is a second Austrian address being created in Baku. As you know, the decision to set up a statue of Mozart in Baku was made a short while ago. We looked forward to unveiling this statue together with you.

Once again, let me congratulate you and everyone present on this wonderful event. Thank you.