Azerbaijani FM attends 6th Democracy Forum in Indonesia
Baku, November 6 (AZERTAC). Azerbaijan`s Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmar Mammadyarov has attended the 6th Democracy Forum, according to the press service of the Ministry.
Speaking to the event, the Minister said “Azerbaijan is an ancient civilization, yet a young democracy. Since restoring its independence more than two decades ago, Azerbaijan has been building a free, democratic and secular society in which everyone can equally and fully enjoy human rights and fundamental freedoms, regardless of his or her racial, religious or ethnic background.”
He stressed “as a bridge between East and West, also active member of the Group of Friends of the Alliance of Civilizations, Azerbaijan contributes to the promotion of inter-religious and intercultural dialogue which is one of the main priorities of its foreign policy. World Intercultural Dialogue Forum and Baku International Humanitarian Forum organized regularly in our capital bring together the representatives of all continents to discuss the global challenges that the world faces today. Promotion of tolerance and multiculturalism is both modus vivendi and priority policy for Azerbaijan.”
Mr Mammadyarov noted: “Azerbaijan has been recognized as one of the world`s top reformers. In the last ten years, the economy of Azerbaijan grew 3.4 times. Azerbaijan is determined to contribute to the realization of the development goals and objectives agreed within the UN. In 10 years poverty has dropped almost tenfold in Azerbaijan - from 49 to 5.5 per cent. Today, unemployment rate is about 5 per cent. Azerbaijan demonstrates full support and undertakes ceaseless efforts for eradication of poverty and promotion of sustainable development and global prosperity for all, paying particular attention to addressing the special needs as well as vulnerabilities of least developed countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. This is a brand new chapter in history of my country. A national entity, the Azerbaijan International Development Agency, which has been established to pursue these noble goals, has already carried out various assistance programs in more than 20 countries. Furthermore, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has realized various humanitarian and social programs in its turn. Azerbaijan is keen to make further efforts in this direction.”
The FM said: “As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2012-2013, Azerbaijan fully dedicated itself to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security. During our chairmanship in the Security Council in May 2012 and October 2013, promotion of international cooperation against terrorism and encouragement of cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations in the peaceful settlement of disputes were among our priorities. To this end, two high-level meetings were organized by the Azerbaijani presidency in order to streamline the international efforts.”
Touching upon the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, the Minister said: “The world is still facing violations of fundamental norms and principles of international law. Today, the occupation by Armenia of our internationally recognized territories -Nagorno Karabakh region and 7 adjacent districts continues to represent the major challenge to maintain basic human rights in Azerbaijan which resulted the forced displacement of a million Azerbaijani civilians still causing serious harm to economic welfare, health and education of our citizens. 4 UN Security Council Resolutions of 1993 reaffirming respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and demanding the immediate, full and unconditional withdrawal of the occupying forces from all the occupied territories still remain unfulfilled.”
“In this regard, it is critical that the international community continues to insist on the implementation of these UN Security Council Resolutions with a view to facilitating the negotiated settlement of the conflict,” he added.
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