Distinguished representatives of the Congress!
I sincerely congratulate you on a historical day in the history of the Azerbaijani cinematography, on the opening of the 8th Congress. The world-famed Azerbaijani cinema today is experiencing hard days. Men- of – art and culture, as well as, the cinematographers of our country, exposed to the military aggression of Armenia, work in hard economic conditions. However, there are in the sphere of art, patriots, who bear these trials of the fate, do their best and improve our culture by creating new works. Having a retrospective look at the Azerbaijani cinema in Nant of France, motherland of cinematography, and achievements in this international cinema contest prove it once more.
Distinguished cinematographers! I want to be sure that the future of the Azerbaijani cinematography will be brighter and brighter thanks to your inexhaustible inspiration and intensive work, and the cinematography will derive benefits from our national traditions and occupy a worthy place in the culture of the world. I wish you new success on this road.
Heydar Aliyev,
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan