Dear presidents, dear heads of delegations, dear prime ministers.

Ladies and Gentlemen.

First of all, I avail myself of the opportunity to greet all of you in Azerbaijan Republic and wish success and achieving concrete results at today’s summit. I am grateful to President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmonov who presided at the 8th Economic Cooperation Organization Summit. Moreover, I thank Mr. Askhat Orazbay, who is completing his mission as ECO secretary general, for his efforts towards development of the organization. I offer my hearty congratulations to its new Secretary General Khurshid Anwar on his election to the high office and best wishes for success in his future activity.

At today’s summit, the work of the organization will be analyzed and we shall share our views on the accomplishments achieved. I am sure that at the same time there will be an effective dialogue on the further prospects of the organization.

After Azerbaijan regained its independence we joined various international organizations and initiatives. We became a member of the Economic Cooperation Organization as well and attribute a great importance to our activity in this organization. The member states of the organization are bound together by historic and cultural ties. Our shared history, customs and traditions make us even closer and provide a good basis for successful activities. The role of the Economic Cooperation Organization, at the same time, is also increasing In terms of regional cooperation. As you know, economic potential of the member countries is increasing and as a whole, it comes as our region has possibly achieved the highest economic growth rate. Economic capabilities of the member countries are widening and, of course, open up new opportunities for both bilateral and multilateral successful cooperation.

Azerbaijan attaches an extremely great importance to the issues of regional cooperation. We are a participant as well as an organizer of some international regional projects and would like to have more concrete projects within the Economic Cooperation Organization too. We have to discuss specific issues and take all necessary practical steps.

The economic development of Azerbaijan is going on rapidly. Last year, Azerbaijan posted economic growth of 26 percent. It is our history’s highest figures, which, first of all, allows us to realize all our plans associated with socio-economic issues. GDP growth in Azerbaijan increased up to 40 percent in the fist quarter of this year and in general, it is likely to remain around the same level until the end of the year. On the one hand, opening of 380 thousand new jobs over the past two years and a half helps to eradicate unemployment, on the other hand, it drastically reduces the number of people living in poverty.

The increase in economic indices naturally boosts the country’s capabilities. Favorable conditions are being created to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations. I am confident economic projects connecting us will bring fruits in the future. Azerbaijan and neighboring countries are doing much work to deliver Caspian oil and gas resources to the world markets. After commissioning of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline linking the Caspian and Mediterranean Seas, economic situation in the region as well as security measures should be strengthened more. We consider regional cooperation projects should serve all the objectives. They will have a positive impact on strengthening economic ties, increasing economic potential as well as on establishing peace and tranquility in the region.

Besides, construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum pipeline to deliver Azeri gas from to Turkey and then to European countries, which is of great importance for both Azerbaijan and neighboring nations, is to finish in a few of months.

Oil and gas pipelines connecting Azerbaijan with Turkey as well as our successful cooperation with neighboring Islamic Republic of Iran in the energy sector, implementation of gas and electricity projects through exchange are of vital importance for ensuring the cooperation. I can say that we maintain very good bilateral relations with all the member states and highly appreciate this.

Strengthening transport infrastructure is extremely important for our region and all our states. Azerbaijan plays and will continue playing its role in opening transport corridors East-West and North-South. These projects will make us closer as existence of the transport infrastructure heightens our economic capabilities and provide new wonderful conditions for economic cooperation. As all you know, Azerbaijan is keen on the operation of the Europe-Caucasus-Asia transport corridor and is a participant of the TRACECA program. Besides, the railway linking Europe and Asia arouse a great interest as well. Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway is important not only for our countries but also for the whole region. Should we manage to realize this - I don’t doubt we will - there will be the shortest route to connecting Europe and Asia. Undoubtedly, as a transit country Azerbaijan should settle the issues of providing transport infrastructure for friendly countries.

In short, there are all conditions for overall economic cooperation. No doubt, peace and security in the region should be strengthened for its further deepening. In its turn, Azerbaijan is actively involved in such matters and will continue its activity in the future too. At the same time, there are many issues that arouse concerns. First of all, all the countries should take common approach to the issues of fighting terrorism. The world should combine its efforts, as it will be extremely difficult to achieve serious success on one’s own. We should look at all terrorist organizations from the same viewpoint, without any discrimination because we will be able to combat against this evil only through combining our efforts.

Azerbaijan is the country, which also suffered from terrorism. Armenian terrorist organizations committed over 30 acts of terrorism against Azerbaijan and Azerbaijanis killing over 2000 innocent people. Today, the continuing Armenia’s aggression against Azerbaijan, policy of ethnic cleansing against Azerbaijanis resulted in displacing over a million of Azerbaijanis from their native lands are the biggest drawback, and huge obstacle on the way of regional cooperation development. We are striving for the peaceful resolution of the matter, considering that the possibilities for this still exist. Therefore, we need to realize all possibilities. At the same time, patience of the people of Azerbaijan is not unlimited. We believe that this issue - Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, can be settled only in line with international law principles. Armenian occupation forces should leave Azerbaijani lands, Azerbaijanis should return to their lands. Justice must be restored this way. Territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is recognized by all but Armenia. It is recognized by the United Nations and of course, cannot be the subject of negotiations. I want to avail myself of the opportunity to express my deep gratitude to all the member countries for supporting Azerbaijani’s stance.

Reduction of risks, successful economic cooperation, energy security are the issues that will ensure the development of peace. We are located in the extremely important but very sensitive region. There are conflicts, menace and risks in it. I do not doubt that the Economic Cooperation Organization will honorably fulfill the goal facing it and our cooperation will be strengthened, our successful interaction both in bilateral and multilateral format will have a very positive impact on the whole region.

Dear friends and guests, I once more greet all of you here in Azerbaijan and wish every success in the your work. Thank you.