Page 28 - Diplomatic Voice Vol 4

NEWS th The 7thCaspian Basin Studies Programme By Lim Hui Chin significant economic growth and properity of the Republic of Azerbaijan over recent years due to its oil indus- try. The overall achievement of the Republic of Azerbaijan so far was all the more impressive given it is a relatively young country which only gained independence in 1991 and experienced widespread devastation wrought by the Soviet Union and Armenian aggression in the late 1980s and early 1990s. We later paid a visit to the Heydar Aliyev Centre. The architectural design of the Centre was brilliant – the overall building was white in colour to signify bright future and the shape of the th Organised by ADA University, the 7th Region and The Cultural Heritage of Centre was designed to look like the Caspian Basin Studies Programme the Republic of Azerbaijan. In between infinity sign (∞) to signify endlessness. was held from 18 to 27 November the talks, we were treated to different Taken together, they signified that the 2014 in Baku, the Republic of Azerbai- traditional Azerbaijani sweets. bright future of Baku will last for all jan. There were 17 of us from 16 coun- eternity, or so we were told. The tries, namely, Romania, the Republic After lunch, we went on a guided city Centre had a fascinating collection of of Colombia, the Republic of Iraq, the tour. I would say that the tour was one exhibits ranging from sculptures, gifts People’s Republic of China, Malaysia, of the most fun-filled activities of the presented to the Head of the Republic Turkmenistan, the Republic of Serbia, programme though we had to walk for of Azerbaijan such as porcelain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Isla- about three hours. Amazingly, we did ornate dishes, to the cars that were mic Republic of Afghanistan, the Arab not sweat at all thanks to the wonders used by the late Heydar Aliyev, the Republic of Egypt, the Argentine Re- of autumn. We spent the afternoon former President of the Republic of public, the State of Qatar, the Republic looking around several places of Azerbaijan during his tenure from 1969 of Croatia, the Republic of Bulgaria, interest such as the Martyrs’ Lane, E- to 2003. The Centre’s excellent design Spain and the People’s Republic of ternal Flame Memorial, Baku Turkish would certainly amaze first-time Bangladesh. The participants were Martyrs’ Memorial, Baku Bay, Baku visitors not only because of its mostly junior/mid-career diplomats Boulevard, Parachute Tower, Flame stunningly beautiful look but also the and the rest of us were officers/re- Towers and the Old City, enchanted wow factor created by the auditori- searchers of the training/research ins- with their splendid architecture, um’s design features – its narrow titute of our respective Ministries of legends and history. entranceway as well as its huge and Foreign Affairs. magnificent area inside which can This was followed by the reception accommodate up to 900 people. The When I reached Baku, two things hosted by ADA University, where visit spurred our interest to know more struck me: first, its splendid architec- invitations were also extended to our about this country. ture but more significantly, the streets respective embassies. We were ho- were remarkably “spotlessly clean.” noured by the presence of our respec- On 21 November 2014, there were Indeed, Baku which I later discovered tive Ambassadors and I was especially talks on the Security Issues and is “God’s town” for many was said to glad to meet our Ambassador, Dato’ Foreign Policy Priorities of the Repub- be the main reason for its people to Roslan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman at the lic of Azerbaijan; Conflicts in the South take responsibility for its cleanliness. reception. Caucasus; The Legal Status of the Caspian Sea and How Others See the On 19 November 2014, the program- On 20 November 2014, we had talks Caspian Basin: A Strategic Crossroads me started with the Opening Ceremo- on Caspian Economics on the Path to between Cultures and Regions. We ny which was officiated by Mr. Fariz Diversification: Economics Transfoma- were able to obtain information on the Ismailzade, the Vice Rector for Go- tion and Development Strategy; the interplay of power politics in the vernment, External and Student Affairs country presentation on the Republic Caspian Basin Region as well as the of ADA University. After a short intro- of Azerbaijan; and Trade and Tranpor- environment variables on which the ductory session, we were given talks tation Networks in the Caspian Re- states in the region see threats and on The History of the Caspian Basin gion. We were truly amazed by the opportunities. 28 bulletin@idfr.gov.my