The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Serbia to Azerbaijan, Nebojša Rodić, visited the Azerbaijan Translation Centre at the Cabinet of Ministers (AzTC) February 18 for a roundtable discussion with its Director Afag Masud.

After greeting the Serbian diplomat AzTC Director Masud focused on the history of the Centre as well as measures to improve the translation industry in the country:

“AzTC, which is a leading enterprise for translation, was founded under Decree No. 169 of the President of the Azerbaijan Republic, Ilham Aliyev, dated May 16, 2014. Although AzTC came into existence a few months ago, we have managed to do sort of measures towards improving the translation work, increasing awareness about it, as well as upgrading language qualifications through training courses, and promoting literary and cultural exchanges. However, there is still work to be done. We are currently preparing some measures towards training and professional development of local translators,” said Afag Masud.

Later on, the Director touched upon literary translations, including the works translated from the Serbian language: “You can also find examples of Serbian literature among our catalogue containing hundreds of masterpieces of World Literature we have translated since we started functioning a quarter-century ago.  We have translated and published several works by Milorad Pavić. And Jalil Nagiyev, Rector of Baku Asia University, has been translating works by Ivo Andrić, the prominent Serbian novelist, and the winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature,” Masud underlined. 

In turn, Ambassador Rodić thanked the AzTC Director of the Centre for the invitation and said: '' I am here at this Center not only as an ambassador, but also as a student. Well, I visit here to learn the Azerbaijani language. Earlier, foreign ambassadors in Baku wondered where to learn Azerbaijani, you know. Diplomats often faced this problem. Having learned Azerbaijani, one will also have the opportunity to communicate with Turks numbering some 120 million people, plus Azerbaijanis living in South Azerbaijan. I suggest that advertising of these courses you have organized go through a multimedia campaign, so that everyone willing to learn a language could attend these courses. As for me, I am learning Azerbaijani here, and express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity you have created.  Nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev said “the more languages you know, the richer you become.” He was always seeking to ensure that people could be actively involved in learning this language not only within the country, but also outside it across the USSR.'”

Later on, the Ambassador shared his thoughts about the translation industry in his country. ''In Serbia, the Union of Translators is responsible for the translation sphere. It authorizes translators and interpreters to do translations. The Union also deals with the translation of works commissioned by individuals. So, the translating process is subject to notary certification, yet the translation work is carried out in accordance with the regulations of the Union of Translators. I identify translators with surgeons. Both require to feel responsibility and to explore intricacies, to the same extent.”

In conclusion, Afaq Masud donated to the honorary guest, the 'Serbian-Azerbaijani Dictionary', recently published by AzTC, and the book titled 'On the shores of the Caspian Sea', dedicated to Baku. This book was written by Yasmina Mixaylovich, Milorad Pavić’s wife, who had visited Baku at the invitation of the President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva.

Gallery