Official Baku responded to the special representative of the President of Russia

The comments of the special representative of the President of the Russian Federation for international cultural cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoy during an interview with the "Interfax" agency regarding the decision to cancel cultural events that were planned to be held in Azerbaijan through state and private institutions of Russia, as well as his attempts to distort the decision of the Azerbaijani side by taking it out of context, are unacceptable.

As reported by BAKU.WS, this is stated in the commentary of the press secretary of the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan, Aykhan Hajizade.

"The demonstrative targeted killings and acts of violence committed by Russian law enforcement agencies against Azerbaijanis on ethnic grounds in Yekaterinburg without any judicial proceedings have caused justified protest and condemnation from Azerbaijan. Against the background of these events, which deal a blow to bilateral relations with Russia, the decision to cancel cultural events is completely legitimate and adequate," the statement says.

Regarding the claims that the cancellation of Russian cultural events "impoverishes the cultural environment and panorama of Azerbaijan," Hajizade emphasized that such words from Shvydkoy cause surprise. "After all, Mr. Shvydkoy has repeatedly visited our country and openly expressed admiration for the high level of Azerbaijani culture. And now he makes such biased statements. Using Shvydkoy's own expression, we do not believe that the cancellation of concert programs of Russian performers such as Basta impoverishes the cultural panorama of our country," he added.

The Foreign Ministry representative added that Azerbaijani culture, which has developed over millennia, is an example for many states and peoples. Azerbaijan is rightfully proud of its unique historical and material-cultural monuments, rich literature, art, and music.