Mombasa:A ceremony celebrating the inauguration of the Swahili Cultural Library and the launch of the first Swahili-language issue of IRS-Urithi magazine was held at Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mombasa, Kenya. The library's renovation was financially supported by the Azerbaijan International Development Agency (AIDA).

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the event received backing from various organizations including the Mombasa Governor's Office, the National Museums of Kenya, the Swahilipot Hub Foundation, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Kenya, and the Centre for Cultural Heritage Studies at Baku State University. The ceremony was attended by public and political figures, government officials, and media representatives.

Sultan Hajiyev, Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Kenya, who is nearing the end of his diplomatic mission in the country, addressed the gathering. He underscored the importance of cultural dialogue and expressed gratitude for the cooperation from the National Museums of Kenya in realizing the Fort Jesus Swahili Cultural Library project and other initiatives, such as the support of the Nairobi National Museum. He also highlighted that Swahili language instruction has commenced at Azerbaijan University of Languages, taught by a Kenyan instructor.

Musa Marjanli, Editor-in-Chief of the IRS magazine and Director of the Centre for Cultural Heritage Studies at Baku State University, elaborated on the magazine's history, development, and international reach. The IRS magazine is published in 22 languages and distributed in over 60 countries. He thanked all partners for their support in preparing and launching the Swahili-language edition.

Other speakers included Edwin Jacob Abonyo, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Museums of Kenya, and Professor Mary Gikungu, Director-General of the institution, among others. They commended the projects’ implementation efforts and highlighted the role of such humanitarian initiatives in fostering friendship and understanding between peoples.

Charlene Ruto, daughter of the President of Kenya and a youth champion involved in the library renovation project, conveyed her congratulations and well wishes to the participants. An Azerbaijani corner has been incorporated into the renovated library.

The first issue of IRS-Urithi magazine is planned to be presented to senior Kenyan officials in early November during farewell meetings held by Azerbaijan's ambassador to Kenya.

Source Azerbaijan State News Agency