Azerbaijani president attended Nowruz festivities in Baku - UPDATE - PHOTOS

The Azerbaijani Leader and the First Lady were warmly welcomed near the Maiden Tower by thousands of people who gathered here for the celebrations.

President Ilham Aliyev lit a bonfire, and then congratulated the crowd.

In his message, the President said: “Novruz Bayram manifests our national consciousness and the spiritual insight of our fathers. Its nice customs and traditions have passed through the test of centuries and are nowadays beloved, esteemed and deservedly preserved.”

The President praised the fact Novruz was added to UNESCO`s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

“Azerbaijanis celebrate Novruz across the world. I believe the commitment to national values and solidarity will bring the world Azerbaijanis closer to each other for the sake of our Motherland.”

“On this dear holiday, I wish all of you health, happiness and luck. Happy Novruz!”

The Head of State handed a certificate of Ilham Ahmadov, the 9 millionth Azerbaijani citizen, and also a bankbook with AZN20,000 on his account, to his parents.

The President and his spouse then joined festivities at the Seaside National Park.

Participants in the celebrations included Prime Minister Artur Rasizade, Speaker of the Milli Majlis Ogtay Asadov and Head of the Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev, and other top-ranking officials.


/AzerTac/

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