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The opening ceremony of the Azerbaijan Literature Section was held at the National Szechenyi Library in Budapest, the capital of Hungary.

The event was attended by Azerbaijan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Hungary, Tahir Taghizade; Director of the Azerbaijan National Library, Professor Karim Tahirov; Director of the National Szechenyi Library, David Rozsa; Deputy State Secretary for Public Collections and Cultural Development at the Ministry of Culture and Innovation of Hungary, Mate Vincze; Deputy State Secretary for Education, Scholarship Programs and Scientific Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Dr Imre Adam Szucs; as well as representatives of cultural and academic communities and intellectuals from both countries.

Opening the event, Director of the National Szechenyi Library, David Rozsa, emphasized that cultural cooperation between Hungary and Azerbaijan has significantly developed in recent years. He described the opening of the Azerbaijan Literature Section as an important sign of cultural dialogue and cooperation between the two nations. He noted that libraries are not only sources of knowledge but also important cultural platforms that connect different peoples, languages, and cultures. According to him, such projects strengthen mutual understanding and highlight shared values.

He also stated that cooperation between the Azerbaijan National Library and the National Szechenyi Library is developing successfully, and the agreement valid until 2032 provides a strong foundation for joint projects. He highlighted that, with Azerbaijan’s support, the library’s collection has been enriched with Azerbaijani publications, and more than 150 books are now available to readers, offering information about Azerbaijan’s history, literature, and culture. He also recalled the opening of the Hungary Literature Section in Baku in 2024 as a successful example of mutual cooperation, with the Budapest initiative continuing this exchange.

Ambassador Tahir Taghizade described the opening of the Azerbaijan Literature Section as a clear example of the strategic partnership and friendly relations between the two countries. He said that relations between Azerbaijan and Hungary have been developing dynamically, especially in the field of culture. He stressed that such initiatives strengthen mutual understanding between peoples and promote Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage internationally. He added that Azerbaijani literature reflects humanism, tolerance, and multicultural values, and the new section will allow Hungarian readers to become more familiar with Azerbaijan’s literary traditions. He also highlighted ongoing cooperation between libraries and educational institutions, including book exchanges and joint cultural projects.

Director of the Azerbaijan National Library, Professor Karim Tahirov, stated that this initiative is another important milestone in friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Hungary. He emphasized that libraries are not only information centers but also institutions that preserve historical memory and national cultural values. He recalled that the memorandum of cooperation between the two national libraries was signed on February 3, 2022, creating broad opportunities for joint projects. He noted that the Azerbaijan Literature Section in Budapest is one of the successful results of this cooperation and will help Hungarian readers better understand Azerbaijani culture. He also pointed out that a Hungary Literature Section was opened in the Azerbaijan National Library in Baku in 2024, further strengthening literary ties between the two countries.

Dr Imre Adam Szucs highlighted that the initiative represents an important stage in cultural relations between Hungary and Azerbaijan. He said that books are one of the strongest tools of cultural diplomacy and help strengthen mutual understanding between nations. He also emphasized Hungary’s support for international library cooperation and noted the importance of language education and academic exchange between the two countries.

Mate Vincze also described the opening of the Azerbaijan Literature Section as an important achievement in cultural cooperation. He said that libraries act as bridges between nations and that presenting Azerbaijani literature in Hungary creates new opportunities for readers. He stressed Hungary’s commitment to strengthening cultural cooperation through such initiatives.

At the end of the ceremony, Karim Tahirov presented books to the official guests. Participants explored the Azerbaijan Literature Section, reviewed the displayed books and publications, and took commemorative photographs.