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Azerbaijani President: "Through the World Health Organization, we will support 15 most needy countries"

05 June 2020 01:14 (UTC +04:00)

"Last year we held a very successful summit, and Azerbaijan was elected chair of this organization by a unanimous decision of 120 countries. Therefore, we thought that at this important time for the whole world, we are obliged to show leadership and create a necessary format for cooperation,"said President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in a videoconference held on the initiative of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) with the bank’s President Masatsugu Asakawa, Vice-President Shixin Chen and other executives of the ADB on June 1, APA reports.

Head of State noted that both summits were successful: "I can tell you that we not only exchanged views on the fight against coronavirus but also showed mutual support. After the summit, with the participation of relevant ministers of member countries, a series of conferences were held on very important issues related to joint efforts in the fight against coronavirus.

You are also well informed about our donation to the World Health Organization. I think that the first time we were one of the first countries to allocate $5 million and then we allocated another $5 million as chair of the Non-Aligned Movement. The humanitarian support Azerbaijan has provided already covers 14 countries. It included financial support and support in the form of equipment and medical supplies. In addition, through the World Health Organization, we will support 15 most needy countries. These 15 countries are identified in consultation with the World Health Organization. So during this period, Azerbaijan provided support to almost 30 countries. I think this is a manifestation of our responsibility because countries and people should support each other in this difficult time.

As for the new ideas related to our cooperation, we are very interested in that. I remember that when we needed financial support five to six years ago, the Asian Development Bank reacted very quickly. It made a deep impression on me, and I want to once again express my appreciation for the very timely friendly approach. We considered this a great sign of cooperation. As I already noted, you were the first to support the Southern Gas Corridor project. By the way, we organize annual meetings of the Advisory Council of the Southern Gas Corridor. I remember that when other banks were examining financial obligations under the project, I noted that the gas produced from Shah Deniz would be transported to Europe. But while the process was still underway in European banks, the Asian Development Bank already provided funding. I believe that your very friendly support played an important part in consolidating the whole group."