Dear ministers, heads of delegations,

Dear guests!

I cordially welcome all of you and say: “Welcome to Azerbaijan!”

We highly estimate carrying out in Azerbaijan of the 33rd Session of Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers. In Azerbaijan, it is for the first time is being held such authoritative meeting. Certainly, we very much would like, that discussions during the session, exchange of views have even more improved our work, have strengthened our contacts. I do not doubt that the would-be-made decisions, including Baku Declaration will make huge contributions to out work.

The Organization of Islamic Conference strengthens its positions, opportunities of influence of the organization on processes occurring in the world extend, which, certainly, very much pleases us. Our brotherly, friendly connections, solidarity gives us more forces. Our contacts in political plane are at very high level. Alongside with bilateral relations, we successfully take part in various international actions, various projects of regional cooperation in a multilateral format. Certainly, we very much would like for strengthening of contacts among us in all areas. First of all, in the field of economy, as today economic opportunities, economic potential, certainly, define force of the country, its opportunity of influence. Our activity should be directed on mutual support, strengthening of economy of our countries. For this purpose, undoubtedly, it is necessary to expand mutual trade contacts even more. I hope, that the today's meeting will give very important impulse to the work forthcoming in this area, and cooperation between the OIC member states in all areas will become closer.

Simultaneously, at present session questions disturbing us will be discussed, it is necessary for us to state the position. In some cases, the processes occurring in the world cause our concern. First of all, attempts of mass media of some countries and the certain political circles to associate the Islam with terrorism cause our extreme concern and indignation. We, in any way, cannot presume it. The Islam cannot be associated with terrorism. The Islam is a religion of peace, good, and tolerance. Azerbaijan itself is a victim of terror. The Armenian terrorist organizations have committed against us over 30 acts of terrorism, as a result of which were killed 2 thousands of Azerbaijanis. Nevertheless, we do not connect these terrorist organizations with this or that religion. It is wrongful. The terrorism does not have either religion, or nationality. Therefore, it is necessary for us to make more confidently the protest against it, to state the position. Besides, we should, using all opportunities of propagation, to express the attitude to this negative tendency causing extreme concern, to prevent it by our activity.

Another question we are concerned is strengthening of the tendencies of hatred for Islam. Now we speak much on dialogue among civilizations, in fact, in life we see contrary. We see that in numerous countries there occur cases of religious discrimination, the people of Islamic faith are not duly regarded, but we cannot by any way admit this religious discrimination. Now we speak of globalization, dialogue between civilizations, and quickly attain democratic values. In this case, we can on no ground reconcile with the existence of religious, or national discrimination, or negatively regarding the believers of any religion. I am convinced that as a result of common efforts of countries of the Organization of Islamic Conference we shall state our position. I hope our common activity will bring clarity to all the questions wee are concerned and they will be prevented.

Today, we gave gathered in Azerbaijan. I have already noted that this is a landmark event for us. It is for the first time such an event is being held in Azerbaijan and I hope, you, at the same time, will have chance to recognize with our country. Azerbaijan is an ancient country, a historical land. As an independent state, it is young. Only 15 years ago, Azerbaijan has restored its state independence and up to day is strengthening its positions on international arena. Our independent policy serves interests of the Azerbaijani people. We are participants of numerous regional and international projects and their initiators. There is established political stability in Azerbaijan, civil solidarity. We very quickly strengthen our economic potential and from the point of economic growth, Azerbaijan now is among the leading states. Last year the GDP made up 26 percent. In five months of current year, it made up 40 percent. Growth of industrial production is on high level either. Many working places were open, and we courageously battle poverty. In a word, Azerbaijan is a dynamically developing country and of course, this opens new opportunities, new horizons. As a member of world community, Azerbaijan stands on constructive position. At the United Nations Organization, in other international organizations, we always support the position of the OIC member states and this policy will go on further.

At the same time, I would like to note that after gaining our state independence up to date we have always received assistance form the member states of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. We appreciate the efforts of the OIC member states in support of Azerbaijan’s position on international organizations and taking the opportunity I would express my gratitude to all representatives.

Along with accomplishments, we, of course, have problems in socio-economic field, and we solve them. But there are problems hard to solve with only efforts. The heaviest and major of them is settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh conflict. For long years, as a result of Armenia’s aggression, 20 percent of our lands were occupied. Due to policy of ethnic cleanse of Armenia, over one million of Azerbaijanis were ousted form their homelands and became refugees and IDPs. As a result of the Armenian aggression, all buildings, all the infrastructures in the occupied territories were completely destroyed. The Armenians ruined the graves of our ancestors, the mosques, historical monuments, and all the houses. This is an unprecedented vandalism. This problem Azerbaijan faces lessens the cooperation tendencies in region. We try and hope that we shall achieve settlement of this question peacefully, by negotiations. We adhere peace talks. But we cannot reconcile with the existent situation. Territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is recognized by the entire world, except Armenia. The United Nations Organization has adopted four Resolutions on this question. In these resolutions, it is stated that the Armenian armed forces should unconditionally leave the Azerbaijan lands. But those resolutions are not implemented. Resolutions of other authoritative organizations have demanded the same. Also the Organization of Islamic Conference, the Council of Europe, GUAM and others have stated their open and principle position in this question. Unfortunately, those resolutions have no implementation mechanism. What is the most anxious is that the most influential world organization - the United Nations Organization has no mechanism connected to effective implementation of resolutions. Now, there are discussions on reforms in the United Nations Organization. I consider, that the first reform should define implementation mechanisms for all the resolutions. If the resolution has been adopted, it should be implemented. If the country does not implement the resolution, it must undergo relevant measures. This will improve much more the work of the United Nations Organization.

Azerbaijan will never reconcile with the violence of its territorial integrity. The ongoing negotiations will lead to peace agreement in that case if territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is restored. I am convinced, that we shall achieve this.

From the historical point of view, Nagorno Karabakh is Azerbaijani land, and the Armenians have come there in early 19th century. From the legal point of view, Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity is recognized, and Nagorno Karabakh is an integral part of Azerbaijan. From the political point of view, Azerbaijan’s positions strengthen, and support of the international organizations is very important for us. Also position of the Organization of Islamic Conference and its rising reputation gives impulse to our policy. From the economic point of view, Azerbaijan develops quickly. We are just in the beginning, and the future will be very successful. According to estimations, rapid economic development of Azerbaijan will make it a rich country. All these factors gives reason to tell that we shall achieve resolution of the questions, and I want to do it peacefully. And at the same time, all other variants should be on the agenda.

Taking the opportunity, I once again express deep gratitude to the Organization of Islamic Conference for support of our fair cause.

Of course, we must regard the processes ongoing in region. Progress is possible only in existence of peace, stability and security. It to take positive samples, where it is ensured, there is development. We live in this region. Therefore, the processes in region, undoubtedly, in certain measure, define our policy. At the same time, Azerbaijan’s policy has certain impact on regional processes. In that case, we all should try that peace, safety be established in region, the possible risks reduced. We should not admit new risks and solve all the questions by negotiations. We adhere this and in this case, the risks will reduce in region. We want this. We want that our countries developed, our peoples lived better, were more educated. One of our problems is connected with education. Education of our people, getting high knowledge is an important question and it defines the world’s future. Knowledge, literacy, and application of new technologies - all these are important for us. Our solidarity, mutual support, perhaps, will ease our work.

Dear guests, I once again would like to tell that I am very pleased that you are in Azerbaijan. For some of you it is the first trip to Azerbaijan, and nice opportunity to recognize Azerbaijan. I am convinced that our contacts with the member states of the Organization of the Islamic Conference will further strengthen. I reiterate, that Azerbaijan is the member of the world community for only 15 years. We must be known, present us, and offer our opportunities to speed up our cooperation. Azerbaijan intends to strengthen its activity in the Organization of Islamic Conference. We consider that the Organization has a leading role and we hope this role will rise. Our positions will be as strong as strong is the Organization.

I once again cordially welcome you in Azerbaijan, and wish success to the session. Thank you.

Abu Baker al-Qirbi, Foreign Minister of Yemen, Syed Hamid Albar, Foreign Minister of Malaysia, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference delivered their reports. They thanked President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for his interesting address, excellent organization of the event and good conditions created for the guests and recalled with great pleasure Azerbaijani Leader’s visiting the OIC headquarters in Jeddah.

Speakers highlighted national leader’s historical services and said that famous political figure Heydar Aliyev highly assessed OIC activities. “Heydar Aliyev’s interesting address at the OIC session in 1998 is an example for us,” said the speakers. According to them, he initiated some important events for the solidarity of the Moslem world and his efforts towards preserving Islamic values, maintaining stability in the Caucasus will never be forgotten.

Reporters told of the work done last year and found a need for implementing reforms in this international organization and further enhancing economic, political, scientific, cultural, technological cooperation among member countries. They touched upon Palestine, Iraq, Kashmir, Cyprus problems, Nagorno-Karabkh conflict as well as ongoing developments in Somalia and Sudan. They stressed that these conflicts and problems should be resolved in line with international legal standards. Aggressive Armenia occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijani territories, pursued the policy of ethnic cleansing and destroyed cultural monuments. OIC wants peace and stability be restored all over the world and is going to open its office in Iraq to the effect.

In their reports, speakers strongly criticized publication of the cartoons of Prophet Mohammad in the western press. Respecting all religions OIC will continue its activities towards promotion of dialogue among civilizations. Speakers highlighted the need to develop economic cooperation among OIC member countries, in particular, OIC- initiated projects covering a variety of fields.

OIC Secretary General I. Ihsanoglu reported that a special ten-year plan of actions was approved at the OIC meeting held last year in Mecca. The plan envisaged the ways of settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and other problems as well as issues concerning economic, trade relations.

OIC Secretary General presented this plan to President of Azerbiajan Ilham Aliyev. Speaking at the meeting on behalf of Asian, African and Arab states, Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Guinea, Sudan, thanked Azerbaijani leader and Government of Azerbaijan for the hospitality and excellent organization of the event.

Then, Azerbaijan took over the presidency of 33-rd Session of OIC Foreign Ministers

Then, Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan thanked President Ilham Aliyev for the chance to participate in the session and considered the presidency of Azerbaijan as the great responsibility.

X X X

After the break, the session continued its work behind the closed doors. In the evening, President of Azerbaijan hosted at the Baku Entertainment Center the dinner in honor of the Foreign

Ministers/ Heads of Delegation.

The session will continue its work June 20.