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President Ilham Aliyev comments on Azerbaijan's refusal to join Customs Union and Common Economic Space

24 December 2012 15:57 (UTC +04:00)

The President said that the economic situation of Azerbaijan was quite strong: “We have sufficient currency and natural resources. If we see real prospects of it, of course, we will join any union. There is no prohibition or taboo for us in this regard.”

Ilham Aliyev said that Azerbaijan joined the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM): “This is a very important step taken at the right moment. First I would like to note that with this, we are demonstrating our openness to the world, because many countries have gathered here. In terms of the economic integration, we choose what is appropriate for us. We actively participate in the integration, which we see will bring us additional economic benefits. If the integration doesn’t benefit us, then we approach this integration with restraint. For example, Azerbaijan has not joined the World Trade Organization yet. However, we are actively invited to become a member of this organization. To join this organization at the current stage of Azerbaijan’s economy can damage the agriculture, farmers, farming, private enterprise and local production.”