Foreign

Home page

Foreign

Azerbaijani President: "Relations between Azerbaijan and Singapore are developing successfully"

22 November 2012 23:36 (UTC +04:00)

According to APA, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said it at the official dinner, which was given by the President of Singapore Tony Tan in honor of the Azerbaijani President.

President Ilham Aliyev said that Azerbaijan and Singapore have a lot of similarities. "The example of Singapore is very attractive for countries recently gained their independence. Therefore, cooperation between the two countries, of course, is developing rapidly and successfully. The other similarity is multiculturalism in our countries. This is one of the greatest positive qualities, acquiring the two countries. Tradition of peaceful coexistence of different ethnic and religious groups in the region does create a special atmosphere. Like Singapore, Azerbaijan also appreciates the principles of multiculturalism. That is why our society is created all people to express their will, and to live in peace and tranquility", - President Aliyev said.

The Head of State noted that the relations between Azerbaijan and Singapore are developing successfully. Established very strong political connections. "We work hard and work together in many areas, in various international organizations. I am grateful to your country for supporting us during the election of Azerbaijan in October last year, a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, as well as for the fact that you voted for adopted at the Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno- Karabakh conflict based on the principles of territorial integrity. We thank you for these manifestations of political support. And we will continue to support Singapore in all international organizations", - I. Aliyev said.

The President stressed that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is the greatest threat to regional security and stability. "Unfortunately, our independence was accompanied by the conflict, occupation the internationally recognized territory of Azerbaijan by Armenia, ethnic cleansing against Azerbaijanis and exile from their native towns and villages one million of our compatriots who have become refugees and internally displaced people in their homeland, as a result of Armenian agression. The international community has expressed its approach to resolve the conflict. This conflict should be resolved on the basis of the principles of territorial integrity and international law. UN Security Council adopted four resolutions demanding an immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian troops from Azerbaijani territories. Unfortunately, these resolutions are not fulfilled. Therefore, the unanimous support of Singapore during the Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement has become a sign of support for justice and international law. I think that in the future we will continue to actively cooperate and strengthen our political relations", - he said.

To continue the dialogue President Ilham Aliyev invited Singapore to pay a state visit to Azerbaijan. There are good examples of cooperation. "Cooperation between SOCAR and Keppel has been a long history and tradition. And now, this cooperation is developing successfully into new areas. The construction of the shipyard in Azerbaijan will allow us to create a powerful Caspian Flotilla, which will benefit all countries in the region. We are located on the ancient Silk Road. Construction of the railway line between Azerbaijan and Europe and its connection via the Caspian Sea to the Asian region, the acquisition of additional vessels for cargo - all this will be our contribution to the development of the region. I think that the revival of the historic Silk Road is very important for all the countries located in this region, "he said.

He noted that there is a need to explore other opportunities to expand economic ties and development of mutually beneficial business contacts in this area. "I believe that the business circles of our countries should get together and discuss issues in different directions."

The President said that there are many opportunities to invite many more Singapore companies to work in Azerbaijan as both investors and contractors. "And we, in turn, looking at the new opportunities associated with our investment plans. Your country is one of the most favorable countries for this, as during the years of independence you have managed to create a very strong economy, "he said.

Ilham Aliyev said that there are big plans related to cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, cultural exchange and education. "I am delighted that young Azerbaijanis studying at your university, and I hope that many people from Azerbaijan will be coming to your country to get an education and become good specialists in different areas”,- Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said.