President Aliyev: Baku Global Forum transformed into very important platform
T he 6th Global Baku Forum has kicked off in Baku on March 15 with the support of the Azerbaijani State Committee for Work with the Diaspora and organization of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center.
President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening ceremony of the forum.
Speaking at the opening of the forum titled “Bridging Gaps to Create Inclusive Societies”, President Aliyev noted that the Global Baku Forum, in a very short time, has transformed into a very important platform to address important issues on global agenda.
“Among our guests there are representatives of more than fifty countries, more than 450 guests. Among them are 47 acting and former heads of states and governments, prominent politicians, statesmen, scientists, representatives of civil society,” the head of state said.
He expressed confidence that the issues which are on top agenda of international relations will be discussed and important recommendations in order to provide security, stability, predictability and cooperation in the world will be voiced.
President Aliyev went on to say that Azerbaijan has already hosted many international events and mentioned traditional Baku Humanitarian Forum, regular International Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, World Religious Leaders forum, UN Alliance of Civilizations Global Forum in this regard.
He also recalled that Azerbaijan hosted the inaugural European Games in 2015 and 4th Islamic Solidarity Games in 2017.
“All these events serve the cause of cooperation, these events build bridges, establish more understanding between representatives of different countries, different religions, and different views,” he said.
He went on to say that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Baku Process, which has now full support of the United Nations, and which is a unique platform of cooperation between the member countries of the Council of Europe and the members of the Islamic Cooperation Organization.
“Azerbaijan, as a member of both international organizations, initiated the meeting of the ministers of culture of both organizations in Baku, in 2008. Now, the Baku Process embraces the very broad activity in order to create better understanding between international organizations and peoples,” he said.
The president also said that representatives of all religions and all ethnic groups live in Azerbaijan as one family in peace and dignity.
“In today’s world, I think, it's a big asset. And we also want to share our experience, and I think that today's development of modern Azerbaijan illustrates that this is the only right policy,” he said.
The president noted that inclusive society is now one of the issues of the global agenda.
“Of course, all our efforts are aimed at strength and security, which we all need in the world, especially in our region,” he added.
President Aliyev said that Azerbaijan unfortunately suffered from aggression of the neighboring Armenia, which occupied almost 20 percent of Azerbaijani territories, brutally violates the international law norms, committed ethnic cleansing policy against Azerbaijanis, as a result of which over 1 million of Azerbaijanis became refugees and IDPs.
Ilham Aliyev also reminded that Armenia committed a war crime - the genocide in Khojaly, which today is recognized by more than 10 countries. He went on to say that as a result of the Khojaly massacre, 613 innocent people, including 106 women and 63 children, were killed. Moreover, more than 1,000 are still missing.
“This is a crime against humanity, and this was part of the aggression policy against Azerbaijan. NagornoKarabakh is our ancient land, and for centuries Azerbaijanis lived on those territories. Now, everything is destroyed on our occupied lands - historical buildings, monuments, and graves. And this is reflected in the OSCE's two assessment missions sent to the occupied territories. This is also a genocide against our cultural heritage,” said President Aliyev.
The President added that the conflict resolution should be based on laws and principles of international law. He also reminded about the UN Security Council resolutions adopted in the early 1990s, which demand immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian troops from our territories.
“Unfortunately, these resolutions are not implemented, and no sanctions were imposed on Armenia - the country which violates the UN Security Council resolutions for more than 20 years. Other international organizations, like the OSCE, the Islamic Cooperation Organization, the European Parliament, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the Non-Alignment Movement, adopted similar resolutions. Historical truth, international law is on our side. The only reason why the conflict is not yet resolved is because Armenia doesn't want to free the occupied territories. Not just Nagorno-Karabakh, but also seven surrounding districts of Azerbaijan, which are under occupation as well,” Ilham Aliyev said.
He went on to say that the status quo is unacceptable, it is not sustainable.
“This is not our position, this is the position of the leading world countries, particularly those, who have mandate from the OSCE to be mediators of the conflict - the U.S., Russia, and France. The presidents of these countries, have, on many occasions, openly stated that the status quo is unacceptable and it has to be changed. The status quo must be changed, Armenia must start the immediate withdrawal of its troops from the occupied territories and allow Azerbaijani people to return to their homeland,” Ilham Aliyev said.
The President said that this conflict is not only the biggest injustice in modern history, it is also a source of permanent threat and instability in the not very stable region, noting that the soonest resolution of the conflict based on principles of international law, the UN Security Council resolutions, the Helsinki Final Act, must be achieved.
Despite the conflict, Azerbaijan continues to develop, Ilham Aliyev said.
“Our economic and social development is reflected in figures. It is reflected in today's appearance of our cities and villages. We invested largely in human capital. We concentrate on human capital and always stated publicly that it is people of Azerbaijan who are in the center of our policy,” the president emphasized.
He went on to say that during the last 15 years, a lot has been done in order to reduce poverty and unemployment [in Azerbaijan], which today stand at the level of 5 percent each, thus placing Azerbaijan among leaders in the world with respect to the level of poverty and unemployment.
“We largely invested in education and health care. More than 3,100 schools, more than 600 hospitals have been built [in Azerbaijan], in the last 15 years. Azerbaijan is a country where people are getting annual medical checkups, free of charge, and more than 5 million people every year have this opportunity. This is our policy,” said Ilham Aliyev.
However, President Aliyev further said that just intentions and policy is not enough.
"Our concentration in the previous years was to achieve economic independence, not only to be able to serve better the needs of people, but also in order to strengthen our political independence, because it is clear that when a country is dependent economically, the ability to conduct independent foreign policy is limited. In our case, our rapid economic growth allowed us to conduct independent foreign policy, which is based on interests of Azerbaijani people and universal values," he said.
Addressing the opening of the forum, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said that the 6th Global Baku Forum is a place where important issues are discussed.
He further noted that today it is extremely important to implement joint projects that can promote the development of friendly relations among the countries.
“Today, Turkey and Azerbaijan are implementing important projects, which not only contribute to the regional development, but at the same time have an important global significance,” Yildirim said, noting that the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) project is one of such important projects.
Turkey pursues a policy of increasing the number of allies and friends, Yildirim said, adding that all countries must act together to solve the crisis.
The application of double standards hinders the resolution of conflicts in the South Caucasus, he noted.
Yildirim went on to say that the occupation of Azerbaijani territories is unacceptable and, sooner or later, it will end.
During the event, the letter of British Prime Minister Theresa May was read out. Azerbaijan and Great Britain will deepen cooperation, according to May.
“The UK and Azerbaijan have strong and productive relations, which were established in 1992. We are actively cooperating particularly, in the energy sector,” she said.
British Prime Minister noted that the Nizami Ganjavi International Center is a good platform for exchanging views and establishing dialogue, and expressed confidence that this forum will contribute to creating an inclusive society in the world.
The Global Baku Forum is a good platform for building up mutual understanding among countries, Italian President Sergio Mattarella said in his letter, which was also read out at the forum.
The Italian President noted that the terror acts are a challenge for all countries.
"We need to ensure security, we need a mutual dialogue to combat this [terrorism]. The global forum is a good example in this regard. This [Global Baku Forum] is a good platform for building up mutual understanding," he said.
The president stressed that ensuring peace and stability in the world is important, for which it is necessary to stop intolerance and extremism.
The Nizami Ganjavi International Center creates bridges among societies and cultures at this difficult time, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in his letter addressed to the participants of the forum.
The letter was read out by UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Ghulam Isakzai. Isakzai expressed his gratitude to the Nizami Ganjavi International Center for this work.
“The creation of inclusive society is very important and is one of the goals set in the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” he said, stressing that science and technology can help solve today's problems.
The three-day forum is attended by presidents, prime ministers and foreign ministers of many countries, including President of Albania Ilir Meta, President of Macedonia Gjorge Ivanov, President of Moldova Igor Dodon, President of Mauritius Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mladen Ivanic, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Palestinian Deputy Prime Minister Ziad Abu Amr, Deputy Prime Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mirko Sarovic and Romanian Vice Prime Minister Ana Birchall and others.
Moreover, about 500 guests, including former presidents and heads of governments, well-known public and political figures who are the members of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, are expected to participate in the 6th Global Baku Forum.
The participants are expected to discuss such issues as peace and security in the Middle East, the current geopolitical situation in the Balkan region, and the growing role of youth in social and political life in the modern world.