PARTICIPANTS OF THE 7TH ECONOMIC SUMMIT OF THE EURASIAN STATES
I extend my cordial greetings to you, the participants of the 7th Economic Summit of the Eurasian States and wish success to the Summit.
The Economic Summit of the Eurasian States has already become traditional and contributed to the development of economic, political, humanitarian and cultural relations among our states and peoples. Along with the Turkic states, participation of representatives of the leading European and Asian countries, as well as the leading international organizations in the Summit gives reason to tell that the Summit will be important for perspective discussions and initiatives.
The national leader of Azerbaijan, late President Heydar Aliyev constantly interested in the Eurasian summits arranged by the “Marmara” Group, duly appreciated positive impact the summits were to have on mutual cooperation among the regional states. Therefore, Azerbaijan was provided with all conditions to represent in these Summits, the President addressed with congratulation message to the participants of these events, told his suggestions on state of the regional cooperation and prospects. Taking into account Heydar Aliyev’s contributions in strengthening of the political, economic and cultural links of the Turkic states and Eurasian countries, the permanent organizer of the summits - “Marmara” Group of the Strategic and Social Studies Vagf had elected him as its honorary Chairman. You can be sure that this line pursued by our national leader will be ultimately continued, the management of Azerbaijan will use every chance to ensure development of bilateral and regional cooperation, peace and security in the region.
The Economic Summit of the Eurasian States is of great importance in the period of vast globalization and integration processes in the world. Realities of the present world require close economic, humanitarian and cultural relations of all states and nations, to ensure security of whole states and separate peoples with joint efforts, jointly combat against aggressive separatism, terror and wars. From this point of view, it will be significant in the Summit to make essential proposals for analysis of the economic, humanitarian and political relations among the regional states and solution of the existing problems.
I would like with great pleasure to note that today the relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey are successfully developing in all fields. Our states are strategic allies. Businessmen of Turkey are represented in all fields in Azerbaijan - oil sector, agriculture, production and service. The economic-geographic position of the two states is so that not a single regional cooperation project can be realized without their participation. Position of the Azerbaijan State is that all the Eurasian countries should maximum benefit from the regional opportunities for the welfare of their peoples.
In the second decade of its independence, the Republic of Azerbaijan actively takes part in the regional and international integration and cooperation processes. Also taking active part in combat against terrorism, regional safety and cooperation makes its contribution to the new world where the universal values, peace and cooperation will rule. Except Armenia that has occupied lands of Azerbaijan, our country sets equal links with all the regional and world states, mutually beneficial economic and cultural ties, is one of the main initiators and organizers in realization of a number of international economic-power projects. The greatest power project of the century, Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, the architect of which was the late President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev, is a reality. We shall soon celebrate the commissioning of the BTC MEP together with you. We also do all the necessary works for realization of another huge project called the “Great Silk Road” and uniting Europe and Asia, and establishment of transport-communications lines and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline. The works on both projects successfully goes on. I am convinced that these projects with serious influence on regional cooperation will bring us closer and closer.
Once again I wish success to the work of the Summit, hope that it will have positive impact on regional and international cooperation.
Ilham Aliyev,
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Baku, 31 August 2004
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