Mubarak Sitting Pretty In Azerbaijan

Despite troubles at home, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is still sitting pretty in Azerbaijan.

In the city of Khyrdalan near Baku lies a small area dubbed the “Azerbaijan-Egypt Friendship Park,” made immediately conspicuous by the three mid-sized pyramids along its far edge. In the foreground of these monolithic monuments is a statue of President Mubarak, who is depicted seated and serene on a pedestal. If only such tranquility were transferable.

The park, which is a popular destination for visiting Egyptian officials, was opened on December 28, 2007 to commemorate developing cooperation between the two countries. Egypt’s first lady, Susan Mubarak, visited the park during a September 2008 visit.

Plans to construct a corresponding park in the Egyptian city of Kalubeya were under way as of 2008.

Check out photos from the park from our Azerbaijani Service.

-- John Connor Cleveland