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Press releases »
Speech by Deputy Foreign Minister
On the 25th of May, 2010, the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr Vagif Sadigov visited Oxford and delivered speech at the Oxford Union. The event was organised by the Oxford-Azerbaijan Society (OXAZ) and the Oxford Union with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the UK.
During his visit, Vagif Sadigov was joined by the Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK, HE Mr Fakhraddin Gurbanov.
Vagif Sadigov started his speech with Azerbaijan’s history highlighting that the country has a long and rich history. Mr Sadigov underlined the fact that many important developments have first taken place in Azerbaijan in the whole Muslim East. The women’s right to vote, the first democratic republic in 1918, theatre and opera were one of the most important changes that took place in the 20th century Azerbaijan. Moreover, Vagif Sadigov mentioned the Soviet period and Azerbaijan’s role in the Soviet Union.
Furthermore, the Deputy Minister focused on the foreign policy objectives of Azerbaijan and pointed out the increased role of the country since regaining independence in 1991. He mentioned the role of Azerbaijan’s location on the role of the country and on its foreign policy. Mr Sadigov explained how Azerbaijan balances its relations with its neighbours and partners.
Finally, Mr Sadigov mentioned the challenges facing the country the hardest of which is the Armenian occupation of Azerbaijan’s lands and the ongoing peace talks. He emphasized that twenty per cent of the Azerbaijani lands are under the occupation by Armenia and reiterated Azerbaijan’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of the conflict in accordance with the universally accepted international law principles.
 
Group photo with OXAZ members
Conference “Turkey, Azerbaijan and the future of European energy security”
An international conference entitled as “Turkey, Azerbaijan and the future of European energy security” was held at the world-famous Oxford Union on 9 May 2009.
Jointly organized by the Oxford-Azerbaijan Society, Oxford University Turkish Society and LINKS, the event brought together people from academia, media, consulting as well as the government representatives such as Selahettin Cimen (Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy, Turkey), Teymur Huseynov (Exclusive Analysis), Dr Nazrin Mehdiyeva (Poyry Energy), Mehmet Ogutcu (BG Group), Dennis Sammut (LINKS), Dr Hratch Tchilingirian (University of Cambridge), Dr Nicholas Redman (Economist Intelligence Unit) and Dr Gareth Winrow as the main speakers of the event.
Divided into four sessions, the conference was focused on the national priorities and transcontinental strategies, the domestic and regional politics of Azerbaijan and Turkey on energy, the role of Azerbaijan and Turkey in the furure of the Southern Corridor and closing remarks by Dr Redman and Dr Winrow. Addressing the attendees on the opening of the event, representative of the Czech Embassy in London Mr Peter Urbanec spoke about the current EU's Czech presidency and its views and role in the European energy security and emphasised the importance of the Nabucco pipeline project in the European energy security.
During the conference, speakers spoke about the current energy projects in the region and discussed the perspectives of the, possible in future, Nabucco pipeline. The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy of Turkey, Mr Cimen, spoke about Turkey's role as a transit country as well as the high level bilateral relations of Turkey and Azerbaijan especially in energy sector. Dr Nazrin Mehdiyeva in her presentation, noted the importance of political lobbying of the Nabucco project, mentioning that Heydar Aliyev, the National Leader of Azerbaijani people, before the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline was realised, was actively lobbying the project and hence the project became real, while many experts were sceptical. She highlighted the importance of political lobbying of the Nabucco project by the nation states as well as by politicians.
Regarding the involvement of Armenia in the regional energy and communications projects, it was emphasised that it is possible only after the peaceful solution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on the basis of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.
The event was attended by the students from the top UK universities, people from academia, media, consulting, Embassies and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the UK.
"Azerbaijan: Connecting East and West" Conference on Saturday 21 February
 The conference on Azerbaijan entitled as “Azerbaijan: Connecting East and West” organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Great Britain, Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (ADA) and the Oxford-Azerbaijan Society was held on February 21 in Oxford. The Conference was attended by students and staff of the Oxford University and several other UK universities specializing in regional studies, representatives of British community, Azerbaijan Youth organizations.
The Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the United Kingdom HE Mr Fakhraddin Gurbanov addressing the Conference stressed the importance of relationship to be developed between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom in all spheres. The Ambassador dwelled on the core directions of the Azerbaijan foreign policy, ongoing processes in Azerbaijan, and Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over the Nagorno Karabakh, which hampers efforts to maintain peace and stability within the region. The diplomat expressed his assurance that negotiations aimed at finding a peaceful solution to the conflict will not fail.
The keynote addresses at the Conference were made by well-known researcher Brenda Shaffer and Fuad Aliyev (ADA), Executive Director of the London Information Network on Conflict and State Building (LINKS) Denis Sammut and British journalist Thomas de Vaal. All speakers underscored that protraction of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict might have heavy implications and the postponement of solution will undoubtedly jeopardize the whole region.
After the session, speakers answered the questions of the attendees.
Oxford-Azerbaijan Society celebrated its First Anniversary
Oxford-Azerbaijan Society celebrated its First Anniversary on 13 February 2009. The Annual Meeting was held in Town Hall, during which an Annual Report for the year of 2008 was introduced by the chairman. Following this, the election to the key posts such as the chairman, treasurer, first secretary etc. took place. Eldar Rustamov was re-elected to the position of the chairman of the Oxford-Azerbaijan Society. Tural Akhundov was elected to the post of the treasurer of OXAZ. Arif Mammadov was elected by members as a first secretary of the Society. Jafar Naghiyev was re-elected to the position of the head of the Supreme Council. To see the full list of the Executive Board members and position holders, see the Executive Board page.  
After the elections, the future plans of the Society and upcoming events were discussed. Moreover, a decision to make some amendments to the Charter of OXAZ was made. From now on, the Annual Meeting of OXAZ will be held every February. Also, the chairman now has the right to appoint a vice-chairman without elections. However, members can oppose this decision. Eldar Rustamov appointed Vugar Abbasov to the post of the vice-chairman.
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Commemoration of the 20th January Tragedy
Members of Oxford-Azerbaijan Society (OXAZ) picketed in connection with 19th anniversary of January 20, APA reports.
The picket brought foreign students and Englishmen together in the centre of the city. The meeting provided information about January 20 and 1000 brochures were delivered. The brochures envisaged information about January 20 and the contents of the open letter sent to Mikhail Gorbachev. The letter was sent to Gorbachev’s Fund. The letter covers reports about injured men as a result of false decision passed by Gorbachev in 1990. The representative of Amnesty International participated in the picket as well.
Oxford-Azerbaijan Society continues publishing the "Azeri News" newsletter. Another volume of the newsletter has been published.
Independence Day
On Saturday, October 18th, members of Oxford-Azerbaijan Society (OXAZ) held a National march in City Centre devoted to the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Members of OXAZ gave leaflets and brochures to people and answered their questions about Azerbaijan. The march was met with an interest by local people.
OXAZ executive met with John Prescott
John Prescott, former Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and current Member of  Parliament, visited Oxford on June 07 to introduce his newly published book "Prezza- My story: Pulling no Punches". The executive of Oxford-Azerbaijan Society had a meeting with Mr Prescott after his speech. During the meeting, OXAZ executive made a present of books about Azerbaijan and Heydar Aliyev. In the mean time, Mr Prescott gave his book with his autograph as a present. For more photos, please, check our "Photos" page.
The newly received books were provided by Ramiz Hasanov, the Head of Oxford-Azerbaijan Society's Baku branch.
Oxford-Azerbaijan Society inaugurated in Oxford
The society carries out activity on propaganda, recognition of our country and development of relations between the two countries.
Oxford-Azerbaijan Society was officially inaugurated in Oxfrod city of England on May 24. Azerbaijani Embassy to UK informed. The soceity was established in February this year by the initiation of Azerbaijani students in Oxford. The society carries out activity on propaganda, recognition of our country and development of relations between the two countries.
Azerbaijani Ambassador to UK Fakhraddin Gurbanov, Mayor of Oxford City Susanna Pressel and Azerbaijani and other foreign students attended the ceremony. Ambassador Gurbanov said the society opened in one of the oldest universities of England would make its contribution in delivering of Azerbaijani realities to the world. Oxford Mayor said the city officials supported this action of the students.
Oxford-Azerbaijan Society Donated Books about Azerbaijan to Oxford Libraries
Great Britain, London, 15 May / TrendNews corr. G.Ahmadova /
The Oxford-Azerbaijan Society (Oxaz) has started donating the books and other material in English language to the Oxford libraries. Eldar Rustamov, Chairman of Azerbaijani students Society in Oxford, stated that many books donated to the library were devoted to the National Leader Heydar Aliyev.
“There are no books about Azerbaijan in the local libraries. Donation of these books will enable the British to get familiar with Heydar Aliyev heritage and Azerbaijan,” Rustamov said.
Rustamov said that the students who receive their education in Britain must use  every chance to present Azerbaijan and its culture in their respective classes. “If we, the students and native of Azerbaijan, will present our country in our respective classes, then it will be more effective and fruitful,” the Chairman of Azerbaijani students Community said.
According to Anar  Gojaev, Secretary of the Community, Oxford-Azerbaijan has issued a special bulletin Azeri News with the information, photos and documents about Heydar Aliyev.
In Feb 2008, Oxford-Azerbaijani Society was established in Oxford. The official opening ceremony and first meeting of the Azerbaijani youth in Oxford will be held on 24 May.
Books were provided by Jafar Naghiyev and Elnur Bghirov.
"Heydar Aliyev Cup" tournament
 It was Heydar Aliyev's 85th anniversary on 10 May and with this occasion a football tournament was organised in London in honour of our National Leader. The team from Oxford, called "GOY-GOL FC" won the "Heydar Aliyev Cup" and became Champions. Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr Fakhraddin Qurbanov during his speech talked about our National Leader Heydar Aliyev and at the end gave the prizes to the teams. The silver medals were awarded to the team "Phenomen FC" as a second place. Our team came back home with gold medals and Cup.
"Azeri News" newsletter
The "Azeri News" newsletter has been published on 21 April by the Oxford-Azerbaijan Society. At the same time the Azerbaijani Youth Club's branch has been opened in Oxford. It was announced by Eldar Rustamov that from now on the Oxford-Azerbaijan Society and Azerbaijani Youth Club will be co-operating on future projects regarding the promotion of Azerbaijan Republic in the UK.
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