Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

Fair and transparent elections have once again demonstrated Azerbaijan's commitment to democratic development, which was confirmed by more than 500 foreign and tens of thousands of local observers, said President Ilham Aliyev while addressing the public in the Zaqatala region on November 4.

“This once again showed that the Azerbaijani people endorse and support the national policy and have expressed their opinion through the elections," he stressed. "We should continue to justify the people’s trust and accelerate the processes taking place in the country so that not even a single social or economic problem remains."

Touching on the economic situation, the head of state said Azerbaijan was doing well in general, despite the economic crises being seen all over the world. “We will successfully complete 2015; all of our socioeconomic indicators are at a high level.”

The president noted that political and military crises have added to the financial and economic global crisis that has been underway for several years.

President Aliyev expressed confidence that Azerbaijan would be able to maintain the positive dynamics of its economic development in the future due to efforts currently being made in this regard.

“It is not easy to do this in the current environment. Many countries in the region and throughout the world are experiencing an economic slowdown, while Azerbaijan is undergoing economic development,” he noted.

The head of state affirmed that enacting economic reforms, developing enterprise and agriculture, and ensuring food security would remain a top priority going forward.

President Aliyev pointed out that Azerbaijan was a multi-ethnic, multi-confessional state. “This is our greatest asset,” he said.

The president especially emphasized that the representatives of all nationalities living in Azerbaijan were valuable citizens with equal rights. “Azerbaijan has never had a confrontation on religious or ethnic grounds, and we are committed to this policy.”

He also acknowledged the moral crisis that Europe is experiencing. “This is the result of the anti-Muslim propaganda of recent years, which could lead to more problems and clashes between global civilizations.”

The president remarked that Europe must overcome these ordeals and become committed to its proclaimed values.

Scenes of bloody clashes, conflicts, and bloodshed are evident both in Europe and in the CIS countries, as well as in the Middle East, he noted.

“Development is impossible without stability,” President Aliyev stressed.

“Despite the ongoing sad events in the world, we continue to see development in Azerbaijan. New buildings and new industrial enterprises are being constructed; the people live in peace; and elections are being held under excellent conditions. This is a successful model of development in Azerbaijan. I am confident that we will continue to walk this successful path."

The head of state further added that safety was ensured in Azerbaijan and stability was promoted, while the people's unity with the state power were being strengthened.

Speaking about Zaqatala, President Aliyev noted that this region had abundant natural beauty, numerous attractions, and historical, ancient monuments.

He expressed his wish that both Azerbaijani citizens and foreign tourists would come and see these picturesque parts of the country.

The president went on to add that special measures were being applied for the development of Zaqatala. Infrastructure projects had been implemented successfully in the region, and industrial capacity had been strengthened and was growing.

During his visit, President Aliyev opened a number of modern buildings in Zaqatala, including a branch of the Azerbaijan Teachers Institute, the Heydar Aliyev Center, and a kindergarten, along with several highways.

President opens facilities in Shaki

Following his trip to the Northwestern regions, the head of state arrived in Shaki.

Here, President Aliyev also opened a number of educational facilities, a highway, and the Shaki Court Complex.

On opening the Court Complex, the president said efforts to reduce corruption, and especially bribery in the court system, would continue.

“At the same time, the decisions of the court must be such that our fight against this major issue becomes even more effective,” he stated.