Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

The sixth extraordinary congress of the Azerbaijan Council of Elders was held in Baku on Saturday.

Opening the congress, Deputy Chairman of the Council Fattah Heydarov spoke about the important role of the elders council in Azerbaijani society.

Heydarov was elected the chairman of the council at the meeting.

Ali Hasanov, head of the Presidential Administration's social and political affairs department, read out Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's address to the congress attendees.

The Azerbaijani president congratulated the Congress participants on the conduct of the event. According to his message, the elders have enjoyed high respect and authority and held a special place in Azerbaijani society at all stages of history and after the country gained independence, the elders' role in all spheres of the country's life further expanded.

"We can confidently say today that the elders made an exceptional contribution to the strengthening of our national independence, establishment of a sustainable public and political stability, development of science, education and culture...and formation of the younger generation," the message said.

The president also noted that the elders are actively involved in the socioeconomic, public, political and cultural life of Azerbaijan and are putting forward valuable initiatives.

"By carrying out large-scale creative work in the capital and the regions, we take into account their views and suggestions and follow their wise advice. Elders also play an important role in educating adolescents and youth in the spirit of love of the country, respect for our national and spiritual values, customs and traditions," the president emphasized.

Addressing the congress, Hasanov said some forces are concerned over Azerbaijan's stable and dynamic development and they aspire to damage Azerbaijan through its writers, poets, non-governmental organizations and political parties.

"There are forces inside and outside the country that wish to stop Azerbaijan's development," Hasanov said. "Azerbaijan, with its 10 million population, has become a state pursuing an independent policy in the region. President Ilham Aliyev pursues an independent geopolitical policy. President Aliyev does not agree with any issue that does not meet Azerbaijan's interests. At this stage, there are people who want to exacerbate the internal situation and create confrontation, and only elders can prevent their actions. I am sure that during its future political activity, the Council of Elders will be in charge of all the processes. Let the society follow your example and be guided by your ideas."

Speaking about the upcoming presidential elections in Azerbaijan, Hasanov noted their significance.

"The Azerbaijani society and the state have reached a level when it is among the most developed countries. However, not everyone in the world like Azerbaijan, there are rivals who cannot stand the [country's] current development," Hasanov said.

The council voiced support for Ilham Aliyev's candidacy as the Azerbaijani president. In this regard, the Congress participants made an appeal to the President. The appeal reads that Azerbaijan is the leading country in the region due to its favorable geographical location, natural resources and economic potential. The country plays a crucial role in transnational energy and transport projects implemented in Eurasia, as well as in ensuring regional peace and security.

"Under these conditions, it is very important for Azerbaijan to be governed by a principled and resolute politician, whom the people trust, who has rich leadership experience and is able to properly assess the geopolitical situation and make strategic decisions," the statement says. "Therefore, we, elders, consider as important continuation of Your policy for further development of Azerbaijan and well-being of the Azerbaijani people, and we welcome the nomination of Your candidacy for president at the fourth congress of the Trade Unions Confederation of Azerbaijan."

Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences member Teymur Bunyadov, Nakhchivan Elders Council's chairman Abulfas Askerov, academician Vasif Mammadaliyev, Ganja Elders Council's chairman Arif Gurbanov and Caucasus Muslims Office (CMO) chairman, Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade also addressed the congress and appraised the council's activities.