The Azerbaijan Translation Centre under the Cabinet of Ministers (AzTC) on Tuesday received a visit from the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Mexican State Juan Rodrigo Labardini Flores. 

After greeting the Mexican diplomat, AzTC Director Afag Masud highlighted the World Literature works translated into the Azerbaijani language: "There is scarcely any foreign literature that has not been translated and introduced to Azerbaijan readers and, in particular, Latin American literature has always been in the focus of attention. AzTC has pioneered the first translation and publication of Spanish-language literary works by authors such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Vargas Llosa, Julio Cortázar, and Jorge Luis Borges.  In particular regarding Mexican literature, works by Octavio Paz translated into Azerbaijani were published in AzTC's Khazar World Literature magazine. And Pedro Páramo by Juan Rulfo, an outstanding Mexican writer and world literary giant, was translated and published as a separate book. This work by Juan Rulfo which is a masterpiece of world literature enjoys success in Azerbaijan," said Afag Masud. "Our cooperation with some foreign embassies accredited to Azerbaijan has paved the way for the implementation of joint projects encompassing literary and cultural exchanges. Regarding the Spanish literature, the Embassy of Argentine has requested to translate and publish into Azerbaijani The Invention of Morel by Adolfo Bioy Casares. And the Colombian Embassy has suggested publishing a book to include seven verses by Colombian and Azerbaijani poets each. We do stand ready for cooperation aimed at promoting our national literature in such an ancient country as Mexico, as well as introducing works by contemporary Mexican writers to Azerbaijan readers."

Ambassador Rodrigo Labardini, in turn, thanked Afag Masud for the invitation, and talked on Azerbaijan-Mexican relations in all spheres.

"You touched on a very useful and important topic, and I am grateful to you for this initiative. Indeed, literary and cultural exchanges play an important role in establishing friendly relations between countries," the diplomat said.

"Our Embassy opened in Azerbaijan three months ago, and during this period, the Embassy has undertaken some steps towards establishing cultural relations between the two countries. During my stay in Azerbaijan, I found some parallels between Mexico and Azerbaijan. Much likeness in our mentality and cultures. I like Azerbaijani and I am studying it. When President Ilham Aliyev received my credentials and at our one-on-one meeting, I made my first speech in Azerbaijani by trying to express my thoughts in your language. I would like to attend Azerbaijani language courses for foreigners organized at AzTC. As to the publication and promotion of Azerbaijan literature in Mexico, I have already held negotiations with a number of institutions. I hope we'll soon be able to carry out fruitful and effective steps in this area."

In conclusion, Afaq Masud donated to the honorary guest Juan Rulfo's novel "Pedro Páramo" published by AzTC.

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