"Mr. Husnan Bey Fananie is an ambassador, who has high concern, and continues to contribute, especially in the field of education. He has also written many books, and during his tenure, the ambassador of Indonesia to Azerbaijan has played an active rJakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Husnan Bey Fananie received an Honorary Professor title from the Azerbaijan University of Languages (AUL) on Wednesday (July 4) on the decision of the University Consultative Council.
The title was directly awarded by Rector of AUL Prof. Kamal Abdullayev to Ambassador Fananie in the presence of the academic community, according to a statement received by Antara here on Thursday.
The ceremony was also attended by five members of the People`s Consultative Assembly of Indonesia, comprising members of Commission X of Education and Culture as well as Commission III of Law and Human Rights, who at the same time were on a working visit to Baku, Azerbaijan.
"Mr. Husnan Bey Fananie is an ambassador, who has high concern, and continues to contribute, especially in the field of education. He has also written many books, and during his tenure, the ambassador of Indonesia to Azerbaijan has played an active role in encouraging cooperation in the field of education between the two countries," Prof. Abdullayev remarked in his speech.
So far, Ambassador Fananie has frequently delivered general lectures at various universities and local schools in Azerbaijan. He has also been a guest lecturer for a course of Indonesian political system for students majoring in international relations at the AUL for a semester.
The Indonesian Embassy in Baku also regularly organizes seminars, in particular, based on a theme of Indonesia-Azerbaijan multi-cultural relations.
Ambassador Fananie continues to encourage the signing of various agreements between AUL and universities in Indonesia, such as with the University of Indonesia (UI), State Islamic University of North Sumatra, the Islamic University of Malang, the Institute of Government, and University of Padjadjaran in Bandung, West Java.
By the end of 2018, several visits from leading universities in Indonesia to Baku will be organized for the signing of a memorandum of understanding and conducting scientific discussions.
The ambassador also bridged relations between the AUL and relevant ministries and institutions in Indonesia, including facilitating the visits of the youth and sports ministers, as well as members of the People`s Consultative Assembly and the House of Representatives, scientists, and Indonesian mass media to the AUL.
He was also considered meritorious in the efforts of the AUL to establish the Azerbaijan Cultural Center at the UI.
Ambassador Fananie praised AUL, which has forged close relations with Indonesia, especially through the Center for Indonesian Studies in AUL. The center always collaborates with the Indonesian Embassy in Baku in promoting Indonesia in Azerbaijan.
"The increasing diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Azerbaijan in various fields cannot be separated from the close relationship between the Indonesian Embassy in Baku and AUL, especially the Center for Indonesian Studies. I am very grateful for the services of Prof. Habib Zarbaliyev, who has pioneered the establishment of the Center for Indonesian Studies in Azerbaijan," Ambassador Fananie stated.
He also expressed gratitude for the award, which was bestowed for the first time by an Azerbaijani University on an Indonesian citizen.
The award symbolizes the close relationship between Indonesia and Azerbaijan and is given not only based on personal achievements but also on the appreciation of the Indonesian nation.
The ambassador added that in September 2018, Indonesia will hold the third Indonesian Cultural Festival (ICF).
"Alhamdulillah, we will hold the ICF for the third time. In this year, support received from several ministries is getting bigger than before," he stated.
He expressed hope that the ICF 2018 would open the Azerbaijani market wider for Indonesian products.
Reporter: Libertina W. Ambari
Editor: Bambang Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
