OREANDA-NEWS. March 20, 2009. The UNESCO chief said he is pleased to be visiting Azerbaijan to attend the opening of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation-organized International Mugham Festival in Baku. Koichiro Matsuura praised Azerbaijan`s rapid economic development, saying considerable progress is observed in the cultural sphere as well.

President Ilham Aliyev said despite the world`s financial crisis Azerbaijan managed to achieve rapid progress in all spheres, including the cultural one. The Head of State informed the UNESCO chief about cultural projects implemented in Azerbaijan, pointing out the importance of the International Mugham Festival.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed confidence Koichiro Matsuura`s Baku visit will contribute to expanding Azerbaijan-UNESCO cooperation.