The Azerbaijan Translation Centre under the Cabinet of Ministers (AzTC) on Tuesday received a visit from the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sudan to Azerbaijan, Mr Mohamed Elias Mohamed El-Hag, and his spouse, Mrs Majda Mahdi, for a roundtable discussion.

After welcoming the guests, AzTC Director Afag Masud underlined a deep interest in Arabic language and literature, focusing on the book "An Anthology of Modern Azerbaijan Literature" translated into Arabic.

“This is the first time Azerbaijani literature in such a format has been presented to Arabic world. Earlier, our literary pieces were translated into a second language through Russian, which often led to a process when an author’s literary and narrative style was lost, with the original literary work being distorted. Our Centre, created under a Decree approved by President Ilham Aliyev, has achieved fundamental changes in this field. Today our original literary works are translated into many languages by experienced and talented native speakers. The anthology has been translated into Arabic by Dr. Ahmed Sami Elaydy, Cultural Attaché and Director of the Egyptian Cultural Centre in Baku. We expect that the English, French, German, Belarusian, and Persian editions will be released in near future. We at AzTC have been cooperating with leading translation bureaus and specialists from around the world.  And at high level we have been translating and publishing into Azerbaijani samples of World Literature. Khazar Literary Magazine regularly covers literary processes going on in the world. The magazine is eager to focus on Sudanese literature as well,” she noted.

Thanking Afag Masud for the warm welcome, the Sudanese Ambassador noted the Center’s irreplaceable role in providing the rapprochement of cultures, strengthening friendly relations with most nations across the world, and establishing inter-literary exchanges.

He also emphasized the significance of translation and literature in strengthening mutual understanding among peoples and mutual enrichment of their cultures.

“Your Center carries out a great mission, designed to connect peoples and improve relations with nations around the world. You make the best examples of Azerbaijani literature available to foreign readers and those of foreign literatures to Azerbaijani readers. It is a very difficult but great mission you are carrying out at the highest level. I would like to see the Azerbaijan Translation Centre establish close cooperation with the International Translation Center in Sudan, the University of Khartoum, and the International African University,” he said.

Speaking about Azerbaijan, the diplomat said Azerbaijan is the most stable and prosperous country:

“I have been with the Sudanese Foreign Service for nearly 34 years. I do believe that Azerbaijan is the most stable and prosperous country. Your people are high-souled, generous and kind. Here, I feel at home and there is no need to worry, as prosperity and stability reign in your country. I can safe say that Azerbaijan is the most stable country in the world. You carry out a historic mission of acquainting foreign readers with spiritual values ​​of the Azerbaijani people. I wish you success in this noble work,” the Ambassador concluded.

Mrs Majdi Mahdi, in turn, noted that she has the feelings of deep respect and warm friendship for Afaq Masud, praising the work AzTC does in the field of Arabic language and literature.

At the conclusion of the meeting, photos were taken as mementos.

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