Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev visited Azerbaijan's capital Baku Tuesday, where he received the Nizami Ganjavi Award.

A number of distinguished guests were present at the ceremony - current and former state leaders, high level representatives from Europe, Asia, Africa, the Organization for economic cooperation and development (OECD), UNESCO and members of the European Parliament among others.

The prize was awarded on account of President Plevneliev's contribution to intercultural understanding, tolerance and respect for the world's cultural diversity. He was awarded by Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Ismail Serageldin.

''It is only through dialogue and understanding, through respect to differences that we will be able to build a wold of cultural abundance and human understanding,'' stated Plevneliev in his acceptance speech. '' I accept this award on behalf of the Bulgarian people that has proven numerous times in its rich history, its tolerance, hospitality and humanism.''

The prestigious international award was also given to Boutros Boutros-Ghali, former UN Secretary General (1992-1996) and former Turkish President (2007-2014) Abdullah Gul.

It is named after the renowned Persian poet, philosopher and 12 century social reformer, Nizam Ganjavi.

Former winners of the award include former US President Bill Clinton, Henry Kissinger - US Secretary of State (1973-1977) as well as former Prime Minister of Great Britain, Margaret Thatcher (1979-1990).