‘Azerbaijan is trying to ensure that multicultural atmosphere is always on agenda’
Baku, March 22 (AZERTAC). “One of the important elements in the global fight against terrorism is the promotion of the ideas of multiculturalism. I think that from the standpoint of the current level of international relations this issue must always be in the focus of our attention. Azerbaijan is trying to ensure that the multicultural atmosphere is always on the agenda,” said President Ilham Aliyev at the “International Conference on Strengthening Cooperation in Preventing Terrorism.”
“We have conducted numerous international events, conferences and forums in Azerbaijan where multiculturalism and its positive experiences have been discussed. We are aware of the different ideas being voiced in different societies and political circles these days. It is said that multiculturalism has failed or is moving towards a precipice. In my view, we should be very careful in giving such assessments because there is no alternative to multiculturalism in this globalizing world. It is hard to imagine what alternative to multiculturalism there could be.” The President noted “for centuries, mankind has evolved, generations have replaced one another, but the development of multiculturalism mainly took place at the modern stage of history. Therefore, we can not back down from the results already achieved.”
“Azerbaijan is a country where representatives of different ethnicities and religions live in an atmosphere of peace and friendship. This is an excellent example of how multiculturalism is not moving towards a precipice.” The head of state said: “Multiculturalism is strengthening. It is especially important to recall that historically we were part of other countries. And being part of these countries and empires, we communicated with people belonging to different nationalities and religions. In the Soviet Union and even before that a commitment to these ideas was seen as a natural phenomenon. But Azerbaijan has been an independent country for more than 20 years. I think that the ideas of multiculturalism and the essence of what is happening in Azerbaijan are a good example of our state policy in the years of independence and of the overall atmosphere in our society.”
According to the President, “it is impossible to achieve such results by public policies alone. As far as we are concerned, we are very happy with the fact that the atmosphere in our society and the government policy serve the same purpose. Development in the conditions of peace, friendship between all nations and religions in Azerbaijan are among our goals. Our country is the home of all the people living here. This is our policy, this policy will be continued and grow further in the future. I am confident that the successes we have achieved in this area will have and are already having an impact on Azerbaijan and beyond.”
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