Baku, August 7 (AZERTAC). The Forum of Azerbaijani Diaspora organizations on the theme "Integration into the community of Azerbaijanis living in foreign countries: current situation and prospects" is underway in Bodrum, Turkey.

On Monday the second panel meeting on "Challenges in improving the socio-political activity of Azerbaijanis living abroad and their solutions" was held. The session was attended by Ali Hasanov, Chief of the department of social and political issues of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan and Chairman of the State Committee for Diaspora Nazim Ibragimov.

Addressing the meeting, Ibrahimov said that a strong Azeri Diaspora operates in many countries worldwide. Diaspora organizations play an active role in bringing the truth about Azerbaijan to the world community. “However, one of the major factors supporting the power and potential of the Diaspora, is the possibility to influence the social and political life of countries of residence. From this point of view, our fellow countrymen should become more integrated into the social and political life of countries in which they live,” Ibrahimov said. The Head of Azerbaijan’s Committee for Diaspora affairs emphasized that the panel session will focus on socio-political activity and the existing problems of our compatriots.

Addressing the meeting, President of the Congress of Azerbaijanis in Europe, Chairperson of the Coordination Centre of Azerbaijanis in Germany Samira Pattser-Ismayilova stressed that the integration of the compatriots living abroad, in public and political life should be conducted in the context of protecting national and spiritual values. Noting that the historical, social, political and legal conditions have a major impact on the process of integration, she stressed that the integration of different social strata to the society is different.

She said that the Azerbaijani society should be integrated in the parliaments of the countries in which they operate, be involved in the electoral process, establish relations with the municipalities and civic organizations, increase the number of cultural projects.

Chairman of the Swedish Federation of Azerbaijan Sevgin Sattar said that by integrating into society, Azerbaijanis must preserve their language and national identity.

Chairman of the Society of Lithuanian Azerbaijanis spoke at the event on behalf of the Azerbaijani Diaspora organizations operating in the Baltic countries. He put forward a proposal for one of the Baltic States Forum on the theme of social integration of Azerbaijanis living in foreign countries.

The third panel meeting focused on "Enhancing cooperation with the social and political circles, NGOs and the media of countries where Azerbaijani Diaspora organizations is functioning."

Speaking at the meeting Nazim Ibrahimov stressed that one of the recommendations of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to the 3rd Congress of World Azerbaijanis concerned the involvement of Azerbaijanis living in foreign countries in the political life of these states. “In many countries the Azerbaijani Diaspora organizations provide an opportunity to engage actively in political processes. However, we must identify the specific mechanisms for this,” Ibrahimov said. 

Chairman of the Federation of Azerbaijani Organizations in Turkey Dyundar Bilal spoke about the importance of the projects aimed at developing relationships with government of Turkey.

Executive Director of the Azerbaijanis of America (USAN) Adil Bagirov, informing about the activities of the organization said that over the past period more than 350,000 letters have been sent to the socio-political, public and governmental bodies, NGOs, and media of the United States. Through the efforts of organization, the U.S. press has published over 250 articles about Azerbaijan. Dwelling on a new USAN project, Bagirov said, "We are planning to create a Global Network of Azerbaijani Diaspora and we invite all organizations to participate in this project."

Chairman of the Ulyanovsk regional branch of All-Russian Azerbaijani Congress Islam Huseynov spoke about the integration of Azerbaijanis in Russian society, promotion of the Azeri cultural heritage. Huseynov stressed the importance to establish business cooperation between the Azerbaijani businessmen living abroad.

Summing up the panel meeting, Ibrahimov expressed confidence that the discussions will contribute to the socio-political activity of the Azerbaijani Diaspora and the expansion of cooperation with the media and nongovernmental organizations.

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On August 5 Head of the Department of social and political affairs of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan Ali Hasanov and Chairman of the State Committee for Diaspora of Azerbaijan Nazim Ibrahimov met with the leaders of Azerbaijani Diaspora organizations operating in Ukraine.

The meeting focused on the activities of the Congress of Azerbaijanis of Ukraine, the organization's plans for the future, as well as the current situation in the area of cooperation between the regional offices.

Speaking at the meeting, Ali Hasanov said that the Congress of Azerbaijanis of Ukraine (CAU) has played an important role in strengthening unity and solidarity among our compatriots living in this country. The Presidential official stressed that the membership of all Azerbaijani Diaspora organizations of Ukraine in CAU will further enhance the power and influence of the Congress.

Nazim Ibrahimov said that CAU is implementing a number of successful projects to bring the truth about Azerbaijan to the Ukrainian public and promote the cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people. He also stressed the need to further strengthen the organization.

Nazim Ibrahimov stressed the readiness of the State Committee for Diaspora to provide the necessary support for CAU.

On the same day there was held a meeting devoted to the problems of Azerbaijani youth living abroad, its integration into society.

Addressing the meeting, Chairman of the Union of Azeri Youth of Ukraine Anar Tahirov briefed on the activities of the organization. Tahirov said that members of the Union tend to participate actively in political life of the Ukraine.

The representative of the Azerbaijani Youth Organization of Russia (AMOR ) Emin Hajiyev invited all Diaspora organizations to join "Justice for Khojaly” campaign.