The Azerbaijan State News Agency

OFFICIAL NEWS

President Ilham Aliyev chaired a meeting on economic issues and preparation of the State Budget for 2016 VIDEO

Baku, September 8, AZERTAC

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has chaired a meeting on economic issues and preparation of the State Budget for 2016.

The head of state made a speech at the meeting.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

- The world is still going through a severe economic and financial crisis. This crisis has assumed a particularly serious form in the Eurasian region. Both Europe and Asia are experiencing an economic downturn. There are different objective and subjective reasons for that.

Analysts, of course, are studying and will continue to study these factors. It is not our business. Our task is to protect the country and the country's economy as much as possible from the negative processes occurring in the world. We can successfully cope with that and defend our country. We provide security, stability and economic development of our country.

Of course, the reasons for the political, military and economic crisis experienced in Eurasia will be studied. But there is already sufficient information for analysis. We see that the main causes of this crisis include disruption of stability and the political interests of certain countries.

In recent years, as a result of foreign intervention and bloody clashes in the Middle East, hundreds of thousands of people have been killed. There is no end in sight to this war and these clashes. On the contrary, new hotbeds of war are emerging, causing suffering to innocent people. As I said, hundreds of thousands of people have been killed.

The situation in the former Soviet Union is further exacerbating. Bloody clashes are taking place. There is political and economic crisis and a growing trend of confrontation. Of course, post-Soviet countries are next door to us, and here too, as we can all see and the public is aware, foreign intervention plays a role. Innocent people are suffering.

For the first time since World War II, the European space, in particular the European Union, are faced with a major humanitarian catastrophe. Hundreds of thousands of refugees who have found themselves in this plight as a result of foreign intervention are rushing to Europe. There is currently a major resettlement of people seeking shelter and salvation. I want to say again that we are faced with this situation for the first time since World War II. Of course, it is a major humanitarian disaster. First of all, it is a humanitarian disaster for the people who have found themselves in dire straits. They have been faced with this humanitarian disaster for several years now. Unfortunately, the Western media treat this issue quite calmly and indifferently. But as soon as some of these people rushed to the European continent, the Western media started circulating these images on a round-the-clock basis, accusing them of this situation. These people are not guilty of anything. They are victims of a deliberate policy. They are victims of foreign intervention. They have no other way. They have to flee and to save their families. Therefore, the humanitarian disaster today is primarily their own disaster.

With regard to the policy of the European Union, life will show how committed it is to the proclaimed values. Now everything is obvious. We see that these poor people are being subjected to torture and humiliation. It seems as though a large-scale campaign is conducted against them. We cannot put up with that. We express our position on every issue. Azerbaijan is among countries that have their own position on all international issues. We express our position without fearing anyone. That is exactly why we have earned a lot of sympathy and respect in the world. Our position is fair on any issue. While defending a fair position, we cannot put up with this policy and these issues. In short, the world map is changing. It is possible that these changes will continue to take place in the future.

As far as Azerbaijan is concerned, against the backdrop of this negative picture, the country's economy is developing. Stability in the country has strengthened. Our international positions have strengthened even more. A growing number of countries cooperate with us. Azerbaijan is a worthy and highly respected member of the international community. The processes in the country are moving in a positive direction. People support our policies. Even in the years of crisis our economy develops successfully.

I want to note again that the dirty scenarios being put into practice in the Middle East today were also prepared for Azerbaijan. In 2011 and 2012, some foreign circles talked about an "Arab Spring" in Azerbaijan and the inevitability of it. They bent over backwards to aggravate the situation and disrupt stability here. Our law-enforcement agencies uncovered all that. They attempted to create a Maydan movement in Azerbaijan. They wanted to engage young people in this shady business and eventually ruined their lives. A lot of money was spent to deteriorate the situation in Azerbaijan. Tens of millions of dollars that were supposed to reach Azerbaijan illegally by means of the "fifth column", under the cover of non-governmental organizations, in order to aggravate the situation and bring those serving certain foreign circles to power. Since the beginning of 2013, these processes became even more serious. There were attempts to aggravate the situation and cause instability on the eve of the presidential election, to destroy Azerbaijan. I am saying this openly. This is how I see it. Only the enemies of the Azerbaijani people and state could participate in this.

Today, Azerbaijan is a modern, secular, developing, open and tolerant state in the world. Who are we hampering?! No-one! We have relations based on mutual respect with all countries. We have established equal relations with all countries. Who are we hampering?! Only those circles who are trying to dominate and have "puppets" everywhere! Worthy politicians relying on their people and enjoying popular support are no longer welcome.

But the point is that everything in Azerbaijan is decided by the people, not on the incitement of foreign circles. The Azerbaijani people have said "no" to all these dirty intentions, supported the Azerbaijani authorities, and today this support is the main source of our strength. The unity between the people and the government is a guarantee of stability in Azerbaijan. Let those who sneeze on our success know this. We are not indebted to anyone. We speak up and will continue to express our position. We will provide an independent life for Azerbaijan.

It is because of such policies that we have been able to protect the country from these great evils. I want to say again: look at what is happening in Ukraine, in the Middle East, in Syria, in Iraq, in Libya and other countries. The territorial integrity of these countries has practically been violated. These countries are uncontrollable. No-one knows what needs to be done to stabilize the situation and restore peace in the Middle East. These positive trends are not visible.

There is still stability, development and normal life in Azerbaijan. We have defended our country from these evils. We have cut off those dirty hands stretched towards us. We will continue to defend our country and ensure steady development of our people.

There was a sharp drop in oil prices over this period. Of course, experts and analysts will have to examine the reasons for this situation. But it is possible that this too is the result of a political order. But despite this, we had to be ready for such a situation. The steps we have taken towards diversification and development of the non-oil sector helped us emerge from this situation with minimal losses. Naturally, our revenues have declined significantly. Whereas the price of oil exceeded $100 last year, now it has dropped below $50, i.e. more than in half. But we are trying and will continue to do everything possible for the Azerbaijani people not to suffer from this. All social programs and social infrastructure projects are being implemented. Security and social protection of the population are provided. We are faced with such an unpleasant picture and should try to ensure economic development in 2016.

Economic development in Azerbaijan this year has been very rapid. Next month, we will traditionally discuss the results of nine months and overall development in an extended meeting of the government. However, the results of six months already allow us the opportunity to say that we will finish this year with very good results. The gross domestic product has increased by almost 6 per cent. The non-oil economy has grown by more than 9 per cent. Inflation is at a very low level. Agriculture has increased by 7.3 per cent and the non-oil industry by 14 per cent. So this is the progress made in the year of crisis, and it is very difficult to see similar good results on a global scale. Why? First of all, because we have a strong political will and we have built our policy only on the interests of the Azerbaijani people! Secondly, we have carried out reforms on the basis of sound economic policies for many years. These reforms are highly appreciated by international financial institutions today. I should note that this year the international rating agency Fitch has reaffirmed the stable rating of Azerbaijan. Our rating is BBB. This is also a great achievement. The general public may not know this and there a brief report on that in the media although it is a major event. Let them look at the credit ratings of other countries – they are all declining. Azerbaijan’s rating is stable. Why is that? Earlier, our detractors and those envious of our success linked this to oil. They said that Azerbaijan produces oil, which is why Azerbaijan is developing. OK, oil production in Azerbaijan is now in decline. Oil prices have fallen by more than half, but we are still developing. They do not want to accept the fact that our development is underpinned by sound policies. The anti-Azerbaijani, Islamophobic forces, those who are reluctant to put up with our independence are constantly trying to cast a shadow over our work. The smear campaign against us continues – it was there on the eve of the European Games, during the Games and at the moment. Why is that? Because we are defending our country! We do not and will not allow the "fifth column" and national traitors to dictate their will here.

Such is the overall political and economic picture. I want to say again that we will take all necessary measures until the end of the year to ensure sustainable economic development. Of course, the government should work harder and more flexibly for our economy to grow next year too.

A few days ago, next year's budget was discussed at a cabinet meeting. I have already received a report about that. We will discuss this issue more broadly. I would like to say that next year's budget should take into account the real situation. Next year's budget should be more socially oriented. Of course, the investment projects of the highest priority should also be implemented. But the projects that are not a priority, those not particularly important should not be included in the budget and the investment program. We can’t allow waste. It is necessary to further strengthen the financial discipline and try to save money. All countries are pursuing this policy now, and we also have to take it more seriously.

In previous years, we tried to quickly resolve all of the socioeconomic problems facing the country. That was why in some cases we allocated funds to projects that did not represent a huge priority, so that development could go even faster. We had quite a lot to do. But today we have implemented the major infrastructure projects. Some of them are still under way. However, we have created a dramatic turnaround. We have implemented many social infrastructure projects. The country now has a solid foundation for the development of entrepreneurship and business – infrastructure projects, loans and, of course, public policy. Therefore, we must carefully consider the next year’s budget. I want to say again that it will address the most fundamental issues.

First of all, I need to say that all social programs will be implemented without cuts. Citizens of Azerbaijan can rest assured that there will be no cuts here. I should also note that we will implement social infrastructure projects as well. We will continue the construction of schools, kindergartens and hospitals. At the same time, we will continue institutional reforms related to social policy. I should also indicate that we have achieved a very significant turnaround in the regulation of the drugs market, and every citizen of Azerbaijan will feel that after 15 September. We have reduced the prices of drugs by an average of two to three times.

We must deepen reforms in the area of governance. It is necessary to fight corruption and bribery even more rigorously. Following a decree I have recently signed, the “ASAN xidmət” service has been provided with new functions. Every citizen of Azerbaijan is aware of the situation in the sphere of housing and utilities: they are putting forward so many illegal demands and torturing people. “ASAN xidmət” will make things easy now.

There are serious violations in the transport sector too. People are tortured and left to deal with unreasonable demands. We have already transferred some of this scope to “ASAN xidmət”. In the future, the “ASAN xidmət” standards must be applied to all areas. Therefore, there is a lot of work in store for the government next year, of course. The government will work in a new situation. Oil revenues are reducing, so it is necessary to give preference to innovation. Of course, steps will be taken to develop entrepreneurship. Financial stability will be ensured. I have no doubt about that. Our financial situation is stable. We have sufficient foreign exchange reserves. Again, by pursuing sound policies, we increased our foreign exchange reserves every year. We are defending the money of the State Oil Fund this year too. True, the decline in the prices of property purchased earlier, in particular, some changes between the rates of the euro and the dollar, can create an impression that the reserves of our State Oil Fund have reduced. But in reality, we can see that they haven’t reduced, as certain changes related to the assessment and the rates of world currencies have been introduced. But we must and we will defend our foreign exchange reserves next year too, especially the reserves of the State Oil Fund.

This is how we do our work. I want to say again that I do not see any problems associated with the successful development of Azerbaijan. We will successfully develop in 2016 and meet all the objectives facing the country. The government simply needs to work even harder until the end of the year, particularly in relation to the expenses, the investment program for the next year and our financial status, and make new proposals. I want to reiterate: the main thing is that next year's budget should be balanced, reflect the reality and avoid unnecessary costs.

Share news on social media

Follow us on social network

VIDEO

President Ilham Aliyev chaired a meeting on economic issues and preparation of the State Budget for 2016 VIDEO

Transit officials approve New York City traffic congestion fee

Azerbaijani weightlifters to fight for glory at 2024 IWF World Cup

Taha Ayhan: We want to share the story of the liberation of Shusha with the whole world

Hirshhorn at 50: ‘Revolutions’ offers an artistic journey through time, Arts innovations

Attacks in NYC transit jump a massive 50% as subway murders surge: stats

Protocol signed to implement Shusha OIC Youth Capital-2024 program

Pope appears in better health, praises Israeli and Arab fathers who both lost daughters in conflict

Latvian foreign minister resigns amid private flights controversy

Azerbaijan's Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Population meets with UNDP Resident Representative

Rediscovered Raphael masterpiece to be exhibited in French Basilica

Draft law on Corsica`s autonomy adopted. MP Josepha Giacometti Piredda protests describing it as “shackles”

China’s CATL to cut its EV battery costs by up to 50% this year, heralding a price war

UN chief applauds Türkiye's Global Zero Waste Initiative, calls for end to waste cycle

Azerbaijani ambassador meets with representatives of Egyptian media outlets

Türkiye ‘neutralizes’ 38 PKK/YPG terrorists over past week

Azerbaijani boxers claim 2 golds at Great Silk Way international tournament

Azerbaijani female boxers claim nine medals at Great Silk Way International Tournament-2024

From Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa

With 783 million people going hungry, a fifth of all food goes to waste, UN says

Trump leads Biden by 5 points in new national poll

Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Customs Committee meets with Egyptian ambassador

Georgian Gov’t approves 2024-2025 climate change action plan

Guivami Rahimli: “…Azerbaijan’s aim is to transform the role of energy in international relations from fueling disagreements to oiling cooperation…”

Azerbaijani Ombudsperson meets with residents of Armenian origin in Khankendi

Seoul bus drivers go on general strike

Azerbaijan to pin hopes on seven female gymnasts at 35th Rhythmic Gymnastics International Grand Prix in France

Western Azerbaijan Community issues statement

Practical classes held with Military Institute’s cadets

Telescope shares clear image of Sagittarius A* black hole in Milky Way Galaxy

Artificial intelligence laboratory launched at Baku Higher Oil School for first time among higher education institutions in Azerbaijan

Election results confirm Bassirou Diomaye Faye's victory in Senegal's presidential race

Azerbaijani oil price declines in global markets

Oil prices surge in global markets

Moscow checks, discusses with Baku alleged arms deliveries to Kiev — MFA

Russian diplomat accuses France of intelligence operations in Caucasus

Childbirths in S. Korea hit another low in January

Azerbaijani delegation of Chamber of Accounts visits US

China opens WTO dispute against US subsidies to protect its EV industry

Aykhan Hajizade: We strongly condemn anti-Azerbaijani allegations in report prepared by group led by Rasmussen

Indonesia's Marapi volcano erupts

Türkiye says it will always ‘stand shoulder to shoulder’ with Pakistan in fight against terrorism

Obama, fearing Biden loss to Trump, is on the phone to strategize

Georgian PM, Parliament Speaker nominate national football team for Medal of Honour

Türkiye to host 2027 European Games

Passenger traffic at Baku Airport increased by more than 30% during the holidays

Number of those injured in Moscow attack rises to 360

35 more families relocated to Fuzuli city get house keys VIDEO

Controversial Titanic floating door prop sells for $718,750

Humans pass more viruses to other animals than we catch from them

On World Theatre Day, ICESCO calls for greater integration of “father of all arts” into school curricula

Black Carbon: Not just pollutant, but also driver of global warming

From Daniel Noboa Azín, Constitutional President of the Republic of Ecuador

Two Azerbaijani boxers qualify for final of Great Silk Way International Tournament-2024

1 in 3 migrant deaths occur en route to escape conflict: UN migration agency

ICESCO obtains Observer status in Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network

China sends multirole satellite into orbit VIDEO

® Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mladen Ivanic elected Honorary Member of the Editorial Board of the My Azerbaijan International Magazine

Japan aims to launch next-generation passenger aircraft by around 2035

Global oil prices drop

Austria stun Türkiye 6-1 in international friendly

Six workers presumed dead after crippled cargo ship knocks down Baltimore bridge

Azerbaijani oil price drops on world markets

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry: Statements by EU and US clearly have a one-sided and biased character VIDEO

2 UK ministers resign, forcing Sunak into Cabinet reshuffle

Poland, Ukraine bag EURO 2024 tickets

Azerbaijan relocates 35 more families to Fuzuli city VIDEO

Speaker of Azerbaijan's Parliament meets with ICESCO Director General

Attack on Turkish nationals in Belgium demonstrates PKK terror threat to Western Europe: Türkiye

Moldovan delegation addresses appeal to PACE regarding Azerbaijan

AI plays key role in protecting Australia's giant kelp forests

ANAMA: 462.1 hectares of territory cleared of mines and UXOs over past week

Moscow court arrests eighth suspect in Crocus City Hall terrorist attack case

Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry: Another stronghold of Armenians found in Karabakh region

Global Times newspaper hails Azerbaijan-China relations as "Gold standard friendship"

Over 1.6M competitors applied to technology contests at Türkiye's TEKNOFEST

Western Azerbaijan Community strongly condemns Tovio Klaar's anti-Azerbaijani stance and approach violating media freedom

Boeing CEO to step down in management shake-up as manufacturing issues plague storied plane maker

Geneva hosts 3rd Conference of Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network

To His Excellency Mr. Mohammed Shahabuddin, President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh

Death toll in Moscow terror attack rises to 139: Russia

Azerbaijan draw 1-1 with Bulgaria in FIFA Series 2024

Turkish foreign minister, NATO chief discuss forthcoming meeting, regional developments

Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Parliament meets with Serbian counterpart

Azerbaijani female gymnast qualifies for Paris 2024 Olympics

EU investigates Apple, Meta and Google owner Alphabet under new tech law

Azerbaijan to face Bulgaria in FIFA Series 2024

State Security Service conducts an operation: a person planning acts of terror arrested in Azerbaijan

Ecuador's youngest mayor found shot to death alongside staffer

® Former President of Croatia Ivo Josipoviс holds meeting with staff of My Azerbaijan International Magazine

Azerbaijani aerobic gymnasts win silver medal at Cantanhede tournament

Azerbaijani shooters secure gold medal at international tournament in Germany

Speaker of Milli Majlis addresses 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union

Release of the Press Service of the President

Earthquake of magnitude 6.7 strikes Papua New Guinea, GFZ says

King of Sweden honours ABBA members with Order of Vasa for outstanding achievements in music

Switched at birth at a Manitoba hospital over 60 years ago, 2 men seek answers, compensation from province

5 dead in chemical factory fire in western India

Azerbaijani shooter gains second gold medal at international tournament in Germany

Speaker of Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova chairs Asian Parliamentary Assembly Co-ordinating Meeting

Argentine President: I will continue to spare no effort to strengthen our bilateral cooperation and economic relations in areas of mutual interest