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Azerbaijan plays a significant role for Europe’s energy security. Azerbaijan is restoring a historic Silk Road, building an important railway.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made the remarks Monday at the 3rd World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku.
The head of state said Azerbaijan’s projects are aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and serve social development.
“Azerbaijan’s initiatives are welcomed by the world community. It is gratifying that Azerbaijan was elected as non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, gaining votes from 155 countries. Although we don’t have active relations with all those 155 countries, the works we carried out in the years of independence formed a positive attitude toward our country,” he added.
President Ilham Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan remains committed to carrying out political and economic reforms.
“We realized that energy resources were not going to be enough for sustainable development. Therefore, freedoms are in our spotlight. All fundamental freedoms are secured in Azerbaijan. Freedom of religion is ensured. This is essential for our development,” the president noted.
The head of state also said Azerbaijan is economically independent.
‘We’re not dependent on donors. We do not seek endowment or aid. We have ensured our energy security, and we’re now contributing to the energy security of other countries,” he stressed.
The president also added that the rate of unemployment and poverty in the country has been reduced down to 5 percent.
“Our country is ranked 38th in terms of competitiveness. We have initiated various projects. The humanitarian area is in the spotlight, too. Baku hosts humanitarian forum and the summit of religious leaders every year,” President Aliyev emphasized.
Apa.az
