“Regarding the significance of WUF13 and the factors that made it possible for Azerbaijan to host it, I would like to once again touch upon the theses President Ilham Aliyev highlighted yesterday at the opening ceremony. First of all, the President particularly emphasized that the Azerbaijani people have a rich urban planning culture. The history of city-building in Azerbaijan dates back to pre-Christian eras. One can mention the city of Gabala — the capital of ancient Albania — as well as the city of Nakhchivan and other ancient cities of Azerbaijan, including its medieval cities. It is on the basis of these rich traditions and experiences that our modern cities are developing in Azerbaijan today,” said Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, in a statement to journalists.
Hikmet Hajiyev also emphasized: “In the process of urban development, Azerbaijan preserves its historical traditions while carrying out modernization. Today, the capital Baku is the best example of this, and it is recognized worldwide. Several historical sites in Azerbaijan, including in the city of Baku, have been included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.”
