Dear friends!

I greet the organizers and participants of the Nant International Cinema Contest on behalf of the Azerbaijani people and wish you successes in your intensive activities for the future development of the cinema art.

I appreciate holding the retrospective look to the Azerbaijani cinema on the eve of the 100^th anniversary of the cinema art in France, home of cinematography, as a significant cultural event. Cultural relations, which tie Azerbaijan and France to each other are very old. I believe that the Azerbaijani and French cinematographers will keep these historical traditions alive loyally, and create a base for the education of the new generation in cinematography in this spirit.

I am sure that Nant Contest, which serves the humanist ideals, unites peace-loving forces and which has become a symbol of solidarity of the children on the Earth of different religions, languages and races, besides attaining great importance for the cultural environment of Azerbaijan and France. It will become an unforgettable historical stage in strengthening friendship and cooperation among the nations of the world.

Heydar Aliyev,

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan