Brussels, June 23 (AZERTAC). President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and first lady Mehriban Aliyeva have attended “Azerbaijan: The European advanced lighthouse toward the orient” session of the Crans Montana Forum in the Belgian capital.

The President and his spouse first viewed an exhibition on Azerbaijan. The exhibition highlighted the country`s economic, energy, tourism and cultural potential. It also provided an insight into achievements of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

Opening remarks at the Forum were delivered by Jean-Paul Carteron, Founder and Chairman of the Crans Montana Forum. He informed the participants about Azerbaijan.

Didier Reynders, Belgium`s Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, spoke of development processes in Azerbaijan, its achievements in energy sector and investment climate in the country. Reynders praised President Ilham Aliyev`s role in ensuring Azerbaijan`s development. He called Azerbaijan Europe`s door to Asia.

Günther Oettinger, European Commissioner for Energy, highlighted Azerbaijan`s energy achievements. He said energy security was number one priority for Europe, praising Azerbaijan`s achievements in oil and gas industry.

He stressed the importance of the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of the Southern Gas Corridor, which was signed between Azerbaijan and the European Commission in Baku this January.

Sali Berisha, Albania`s Prime Minister, also praised Azerbaijan`s achievements in energy sector.

Other speakers included Hamid Temmar, Algeria`s Minister of Planning, and Abdelaziz Altwaijri, Director General of ISESCO. Altwaijri praised Azerbaijan`s cooperation with ISESCO. He hailed Azerbaijan`s hosting ISESCO- and UNESCO-supported events, adding the country proved its commitment to cultural values. Altwaijri also praised the Azerbaijani first lady`s activity as ISESCO goodwill ambassador.

President Aliyev made a speech at the Forum.

He highlighted development processes in Azerbaijan.

The President said: “For ten years Azerbaijan has been a member of the European Council, and now we are strengthening our relations with the European Union.”

The Azerbaijani leader stressed the importance of his meetings in Brussels, adding there were wide opportunities to develop the cooperation in the future.

President Aliyev said Azerbaijan`s economy continued to develop even amid the global economic crisis.

The President noted his country placed a particular importance on cooperation with European structures.

“Azerbaijan is playing an important role in the intercultural dialogue, our society is multicultural and Azerbaijan has become home to international cultural events.”

President Aliyev said Azerbaijan attached a particular emphasis to regional security.

On the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Azerbaijani leader said twenty percent of Azerbaijan`s internationally recognized lands had been under Armenia`s occupation, with over million Azerbaijanis becoming refugees and IDPs.

“Armenia has not yet fulfilled resolutions of the international organizations. The conflict`s settlement will be the greatest contribution to the regional security.”

The President touched upon energy issues. He highlighted the activity of the Azerbaijan State Oil Fund and stressed the importance of the Southern Gas Corridor.

President Aliyev also thanked those who voted for Azerbaijan in the Eurovision song contest.

The Chairman of the Crans Montana Forum praised Azerbaijani national leader Heydar Aliyev`s and President Ilham Aliyev`s role in ensuring the country`s development.

The Azerbaijani President was presented with PRIX DE LA FONDATION award.

President Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the award. “I consider this award as one presented to Azerbaijan,” he said.

The 22nd Crans Montana Forum brings together political and business elite to discuss key regional and global issues.

The Crans Montana Forum is a Swiss International Organization created in Crans Montana, Switzerland, in 1986 with the support and the involvement of Swiss Authorities. It works for the promotion of international cooperation and contributes to global growth while ensuring a high level of stability, equity and security. The aim is also to foster the best practices and ensure a global dialogue.

The 23rd Crans Montana Forum will take place in Baku next July.

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