Foreign

Home page

Foreign

Azerbaijan hosts 2nd World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue

30 May 2013 08:39 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Rashad Suleymanov – APA. Official opening of the 2nd World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue has been held today in Baku.

APA reports that guests from different countries of the world, Azerbaijani state and government officials, parliamentarians, representatives of religious communities, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Baku are attending the opening ceremony in the Heydar Aliyev Center.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev delivered a keynote speech and said that this forum is the continuation of the process started in Baku in 2008: “Alongside with the role of geographical bridge, Baku is playing the role of cross-cultural bridge. Baku process is already in progress.”

The Head of State noted that throughout the centuries Azerbaijan has been the homeland for all the nations who believe in different religions: “This factor plays an important role in the successful development of Azerbaijan. We want to prevent unpleasant cases. Unfortunately, we can not achieve it. Religious and national conflicts occur in different parts of the world.”

Noting that Azerbaijan has been an example of tolerance for centuries, President Ilham Aliyev said during the period of independence these positive tendencies were conserved, even expanded: “Dialogue among peoples, nations strengthens these tendencies. The countries have political and economic interests. People-to-people relations should be established in order to enhance relations among states. There is a place for every nation and people in the world. There should only be peace and cooperation. Our steps on regional relations aim at cooperation.”

Noting that Azerbaijan is a part of the Muslim world, President underlined that European influence on Azerbaijan has been felt since the 19th century.

The Head of State said Azerbaijan plays an important role in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Europe’s most popular song contest was held in Baku last year, the first European Olympic Games will be held in Baku in 2015.
“Various contradictory views have been recently expressed regarding multiculturalism, pessimistic statements are made. Some political statements, media outlets do not serve the dialogue among civilizations, but are against it. Multiculturalism has existed in Azerbaijan for centuries. Azerbaijan is one of the addresses of multiculturalism. This tendency can be strengthened in any place of the world. There should only be political will,” he said.

President spoke about the aggressive policy pursued by Armenia. He said all monuments, buildings, infrastructure in the occupied Azerbaijani territories had been destroyed by Armenian Armed Forces.
“The international legal norms do not work when it comes to the settlement of this conflict. Armenia ignores the resolutions of the UN Security Council, the occupation continues and the international legal norms are rudely violated. Nagorno Karabakh is the territory of Azerbaijan. All toponyms, monuments there belong to Azerbaijan,” he said.

UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser conveyed greetings of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova and Director General of ISESCO Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri also delivered speeches at the event.

Different issues will be discussed at the plenary sessions of the Forum today and tomorrow. 1st Alumni Summit of the "Emerging Leaders" of UN Alliance of Civilizations, World Forum 1st Ministerial Meeting, “Writing Peace” exhibition of UNESCO will be held within the forum in Baku.