President’s nationwide address

President Aliyev’s message of congratulation to the nation was published in government newspapers Saturday. In his address, the head of state says the people of Azerbaijan are stepping into the third millennium with a great optimism.

Azerbaijan is making its contribution to the key tendencies of the present stage in the world development – cultural integration and globalization. Taking advantage of its geographical location, immense mineral resources and tremendous intellectual potential, Azerbaijan is capable of playing the role of a bridge between East and West.

The Azerbaijan Republic is doing its best to restore the ancient Silk Route, establish the Europe-Caucasus-Asia transport corridor, produce and transport its hydrocarbon resources to international markets. Azerbaijan has already become an integral part of the world community and maintains mutually beneficial relations with international organizations, such as the UN, WB, IMF, EU, COE, OIC, NATO, etc.

Azerbaijan’s oil has laid groundwork for the country’s scientific and technical progress attained in the 20th century and much of the world’s oil industry takes root in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan has turned into a geographical and political nucleus of the region. Its influence on the regional situation and beyond it keeps growing.

“In the closing days of the century, we witnessed signing of the Contract of the Century and the success of our oil strategy”, H. Aliyev said.

The president has outlined 4 stages in the development of Azerbaijan: before the break-up of the Czarist Russia, a brief period of state independence till 1920, the Soviet period, and the contemporary period which commenced on October 18, 1991 with the adoption of the Constitutional Act “On Independence”.

H. Aliyev provided internal and external factors behind the defeat in the war with Armenia, pointing out political support and assistance provided to the latter by Armenian lobby, Russia, etc. The President then touched upon the still ongoing cease-fire, which has allowed the country to keep developing.

President Aliyev then mentioned of the coup attempts made in October 1994 and March 1995, of the liberation of the country from all illegal armed detachments and establishment of stability in mid-1995, and adoption of a new Constitution and over 900 new laws.

With regard to external policy, the president said Azerbaijan maintains diplomatic relationship with 137 countries of the world, with 63 countries represented in Azerbaijan and 21 Azeri embassies abroad. Besides, Azerbaijan is represented in authoritative international organizations.

H. Aliyev voiced a hope that the independence of Azerbaijan would be further strengthened, occupied Azeri lands liberated and peace and welfare established in Azerbaijan.