TO PARTICIPANTS OF CONSTITUENT CONFERENCE OF EUROPEAN CONGRESS OF AZERBAIJANIS
I am sincerely greeting you, participants and guests of the Constituent Conference of European Congress of Azerbaijanis gathered in German capital Berlin, and offer to the conference my best wishes for success.
A plenty of Azerbaijani communities representing our people and Motherland have been functioning for many years throughout the world.
All of them are united in love to their native language, culture, religion, customs and traditions, national and spiritual values, as well as national institutions of statehood that are considered as a foundation of Azerbaijanism.
However, I should point to the following fact: the Azerbaijanis living abroad had long been weakly connected to each other, not been well-organized, not been involved in social and political or cultural life of their countries as a solidary force. The purposeful policy in this sphere and work with our compatriots have been brought up at a state level merely after independence of the Azerbaijan Republic, especially since 1993.
Formation of the world Azerbaijanis including those living in Europe, creating and strengthening of their unity, is connected with the name of nationwide leader of our people Heydar Aliyev. He was an initiator of declaration of 31st of December as World Azerbaijanis’ Unity and Solidarity Day solemnly marked every year. During his foreign visits, Heydar Aliyev held regular meetings with Azerbaijani communities assisting them in the process of formation and giving appropriate recommendations.
In accordance with Executive Order of the President and under his direct leadership, the First Congress of the World Azerbaijanis was held in 2001 in Baku.
As one more acknowledgement of spiritual and historical unity of the world Azerbaijanis, and that of our national originality, the Congress set nationwide tasks of the Azerbaijan state and our fellow-countrymen, and formed the Coordination Council of the world Azerbaijanis. By the Presidential Decree, a special state structure - the State Committee on Working with Azerbaijanis Living Abroad was founded in 2002.
The independent Azerbaijan State is the world Azerbaijanis’ common Motherland and political and moral support. Our compatriots must feel themselves a part of Azerbaijan, its people, and share the Motherland’s problems wherever they live. At the same time, the Republic of Azerbaijan - as a moral and political center of the world Azerbaijanis - must use all the tools envisaged in the international conventions to protect their national and civil rights.
One can say today that a new stage of formation of the Azerbaijanis living abroad as well as of strengthening their unity and solidarity has begun. Azerbaijani communities, national and cultural centers have been founded in all European countries. The Europe-based Azerbaijanis are increasingly intensifying their role in propaganda of Azerbaijani language and culture, bringing realities of Azerbaijan to the World’s notice, and protection of national interests.
At the same time, I think the Azerbaijanis living in Europe have more possibilities, untapped potential in all spheres. The process of uniting and forming our compatriots in these countries is not yet at due level. Our Diaspora has not yet formed completely, and the links between Azerbaijanis residing in different countries are not quite firm and stable. Their impact on social and political and cultural life of their countries is felt weakly, as well.
We intend to bring the process of formation and activities of the Azerbaijani Diaspora, communities, their links with Motherland up to qualitatively new and higher level. To reach the goal, the Azerbaijanis residing in different countries must closely unite, and act as a well-organized and mobile structure.
They also must preserve national and spiritual values, progressive customs and traditions of Azerbaijan, overstep the bounds of ethnic insularity, integrate into political, economic, social and cultural life of the countries of their living, and become active political factor. Azerbaijani Diaspora in Europe should demonstrate coordinated common stance on the issues concerning our national interests, broaden their lobbyist possibilities in political circles, as well as closely cooperate with peoples and communities of the states maintaining traditionally friendly relations with Azerbaijan, and use their positive experience and assistance.
The Congress of the Europe-based Azerbaijanis gathered for their constituent conference in the center of Europe is an event of historical importance. I am confident that the Congress will successfully cope with its tasks, and play a considerable role in the life of the Azerbaijanis residing in Europe, ensuring unity and solidarity among the world Azerbaijanis and strengthening our Diaspora.
Once again, I would like to wish every success to the work of the European Azerbaijanis Congress, and good health, happiness and welfare to all of you.
Ilham Aliyev,
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Baku, April 12, 2004.
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