Vienna, January 21, AZERTAC
A gathering of Azerbaijanis living in Austria took place at the Azerbaijani Cultural Center in Vienna, organized by the “WE - Continue on the Path to Victory” initiative group, established in connection with the upcoming February 7 snap presidential election.
The event commenced with the rendition of the National Anthem of Azerbaijan, followed by a minute of silence to honor the martyrs of January 20 and those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for the independence and territorial integrity of the country.
Rovshan Sadigbayli, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Austria, delivered a speech emphasizing the Azerbaijani people, with a tragic yet proud history like January 20, have fully established their territorial integrity and sovereignty, and are confidently moving towards a successful future.
Elshad Aliyev, the deputy chairman of the State Committee for Work with the Diaspora, highlighted the continuous nature of meetings with the Azerbaijani diaspora in foreign countries. He pointed out that the state of Azerbaijan always pays attention to Azerbaijanis living abroad, actively working towards solving their problems.
Elshad Aliyev highlighted that the 5th Congress of World Azerbaijanis held in Shusha marked the opening of a new stage in the diaspora`s founding activities. He noted that the Committee has established 20 Azerbaijani Houses in 14 countries, opened 27 Azerbaijani language weekend schools in 16 countries, and, in addition to courses under diaspora organizations, emphasized that the total number of these schools is close to a hundred.
He stated that currently, the country is living through one of the most important periods in its history, and the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan have been fully restored.
Addressing the meeting, members of the "WE – Continue on the path to victory" initiative group noted that Azerbaijani compatriots living abroad closely follow the processes unfolding in Azerbaijan. Diaspora activists highlighted the prevailing political stability in the country, continuous development of the economy, and emphasized that Azerbaijan holds a worthy place among the world's nations.
Members of the initiative group called on Azerbaijani compatriots to actively participate in the upcoming snap presidential election, expressing their commitment to stand by the Azerbaijani state and underlining that they are not indifferent to its future.
As part of the cultural program of the event, musicians living in Austria, Abuzar Manafzade (piano) and Ruhulla Aziz (kamancha), presented a concert program featuring classical works.

Elgun Niftali
Special correspondent