The Association of Russian Youth of Azerbaijan has convened a conference in Baku on the theme "The Russian youth of Azerbaijan: integration into the socio-political, economic and cultural life of the country".
Speaking to the opening ceremony, chief of the Presidential Administration`s department for socio-political affairs Ali Hasanov underlined the importance of the event, saying "it discusses very critical issues".
He said the foundations of Azerbaijan`s modern youth policy were laid by national leader Heydar Aliyev.
"The national leader returned to power in 1993 at the urgent request of the people to carry out important reforms in all fields of state building, including youth policy."
"In 1994, one of the first ministries that Heydar Aliyev established was the Ministry of Youth and Sport. Since then the Azerbaijani youth have been the leading power of the society."
"Solving youth`s problems and preparing them for the future have been among key priorities of the state policy."
"There has never been any national and religious discrimination between youth in Azerbaijan. Youth in Azerbaijan have been treated equally and given due estimation both during the Soviet era and during the years of independence irrespective of their national or religious belonging."
Hasanov also praised the Russian youth`s role in Azerbaijan`s struggle for the territorial integrity as well as their contribution to the country`s socio-political development.
"We are proud of the Russian youth who raise Azerbaijan`s flag in sport and music competitions and always cite them as an example. They have been treated with great care in Azerbaijan. This course was launched by national leader Heydar Aliyev and is today being continued by President Ilham Aliyev."
Hasanov said ensuring social and cultural development of youth and their active integration into the international community were among priority issues for the Azeri government.
"Youth have been receiving the most attention and care in the Azerbaijani society. If we make our youth our worthy successors and raise them as citizens ready to continue what we have started in all fields of state building, we can be sure in our future."
He also stressed the importance for youth living in Azerbaijan to "master all features of Azerbaijani language", adding "this will help them to closer integrate into the society".
"Every country has its own national and spiritual values, traditions and language. And every Azerbaijani citizen is obliged to defend these values in the social and political life of the country."
Azerbaijan`s Minister of Youth and Sport Azad Rahimov praised the role of youth in building civil society. He stressed "the Russian youth are an important part of the Azerbaijani society".
Russian ambassador in Baku Vladimir Dorokhin hailed conditions created for the Russian youth in Azerbaijan, adding "this brings our countries closer to each other and contributes to strengthening our relations".
"We are very pleased that the Russian youth have become an integral part of the Azerbaijani society."
Head of Baku and All-Caspian Orthodox Eparchy, father Alexander praised the Azerbaijani government`s youth policy.
Azerbaijan`s Deputy Minister of Education Irada Huseynova said there were favorable conditions for Russian youth to take education in Azerbaijan.
"There are 330 secondary schools in Azerbaijan which teach Russian. Of them 18 are completely Russian schools."
The meeting was followed with a concert.

AzerTAc