Azernews.Az

By Sabina Mammadli

President Ilham Aliyev has described Azerbaijan as an irreplaceable and key player in the global energy market.

He made the remarks during an interview with Mikhail Gusman, the first deputy director-general of the TASS news agency, on the "Formula of Power" program, which was aired on the "Rossiya 24" TV channel.

The program was dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Azerbaijan's restoration of state independence as well as Ilham Aliyev's 60th jubilee.

"Azerbaijan is becoming an irreplaceable and very important actor in the international energy market for at least a hundred years. We are creating an infrastructure in the field of transport that will work for the welfare of our country for centuries. Education – it should also be planned for several decades ahead," Aliyev said.

Azerbaijan is one of the world's leaders in energy security. Because of the East-West, North-South, and North-West transport corridors, the country has become one of the key transport and logistical centers in Eurasia. According to the program, the Azerbaijani portion of the North-South Transport Corridor will connect India, Pakistan, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, and Northern European countries, the program mentioned.

It stressed that the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway opened on 30 October 2017, allowing a connection of Trans-European and Trans-Asian railway networks, effectively restoring the Ancient Silk Road.

Speaking about Azerbaijan's growing role in the world, the head of state emphasized the importance of Azerbaijan implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. He stressed that Azerbaijan is one of 12 countries that have submitted the third Voluntary National Report on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, and the first in the region.

The head of state emphasized that Azerbaijan's foundation in the information and communication technologies sector is also improving.

“The groundwork in the information and communication technologies sector is not too bad either. Azerbaijan, which already has three satellites, is a member of a club of space-faring nations. The ICT sector is developing very fast and there is significant growth in this area,” added the president.

Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan is currently working with its partners to improve transportation and expand transit capacity. He also stated that all transportation and communication projects in Azerbaijan are nearly completed.

President Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan participates in all organizations in which it is a member in order to strengthen those organizations and meet national interests to the greatest extent possible within them.

“I consider mutual respect within international organizations as one of the important priorities. Azerbaijan always gives preference to the rule of law and the rule of international law,” said Aliyev.

The president recalled that 120 countries are members of the Non-Aligned Movement, of which Azerbaijan was unanimously elected chair, confirming the country's standing in the global arena.

In terms of international forums, he emphasized that even in the midst of a pandemic, Azerbaijan has already become an important venue for humanitarian cooperation. He stated that maintaining cooperation, including international and positive experience in this area, is critical to transitioning out of pandemic.

Addressing the younger generation, Aliyev advised them to learn to live selflessly, to be highly patriotic, to follow in the footsteps of their forefathers, and to demonstrate heroism while defending their homeland.

In concluding the program, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized humanitarian cooperation with Russia, emphasizing that the two countries' relations serve as an example of neighborly cooperation.

The existence of more than 330 Russian-language schools in Azerbaijan, branches of leading Russian universities, and a rich cultural program is highly valued in Russia. We are always in touch, working as close friends and partners” he finalized.

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