Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Azerbaijan Bert Schoofs together with the Deputy Head of Mission Denis Naets paid a visit to the office of the International Eurasia Press Fund (IEPF) and met with the IEPF President Umud Mirzayev.
Bert Schoofs was appointed as an Ambassador of Belgium to the Republic of Azerbaijan in August 2016. He stated that since the time of his appointment he is observing active work of the IEPF and its participation in various events. He also highly appreciated the role of the Eurasia Diary, international analytical information gateway, operating under the IEPF and promoting the idea of peace in the world. Moreover, B. Schoofs mentioned a very important role of the media as it delivers a message about modern Azerbaijan to the world.
Considering the situation with the refugees and IDPs in Azerbaijan, he said that the role of the civil society NGOs is extremely important.
Ambassador Bert Schoofs also spoke about the importance of regional cooperation.
It is important to mention that apart from Azerbaijan B.Schoofs also represemts the Embassy of Belgium in Georgia and Turkmenistan. He highlighted good relations between Georgia and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan and Georgia are the only hub between Europe and Asia. “Georgia and Azerbaijan are encouraging complementary identities” – he added.
Ambassador Bert Schoofs highlighted the importance of the promotion of peace in the region. He also mentioned the children who suffer mostly in all kind of conflicts. He appreciated the work, which IEPF is doing in order to support children suffering from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
IEPF President informed Ambassador Bert Schoofs about the ongoing campaign in the IEPF. 1st of June, on the occasion of the International Children’s Day, IEPF is planning to go to Tartar district to visit Sikharkh and Hasangaya villages, located close to the frontline, and celebrate this day with the children who live there.
Also, IEPF President spoke about the projects, which are successfully being implemented in different regions. U.Mirzayev agreed with Ambassador about necessity to promote the idea of peace in the region. Ordinary citizens suffer much from the conflicts.
The parties discussed several ways for future cooperation between the civil society organizations. Establishment of a long-term cooperation between the NGOs in both countries is one of the directions for collaboration.
Bert Schoofs thanked Umud Mirzayev for the invitation to visit the IEPF office and congratulated on a very impressive job the organization is doing.
“Peaceful way, you and your organization try to get along is an example to everyone. Hence, I was not surprised to know that your organization got a General Consultative Status with UN ECOSOC. I hope you will continue doing your work” – Ambassador said.