On June 23rd Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev attended an official opening of the 35th Annual Meeting of the Islamic Development Bank Group.
The 35th annual meeting brings together ministers of Finance, Economy and Planning from 56 member countries and representatives of international and regional financial organizations, as well as member states of Organization of the Islamic Conference and other high-ranking officials.
The agenda includes a wide range of issues including consideration of the thirty-fifth Annual Report of IDB for 2009-2010, request of Nigeria to increase its subscription to the Capital Stock of the Islamic Development Bank, invitation by Tajikistan to host the thirty-ninth Annual Meeting of the IDB Board of Governors and date and venue of the thirty-sixth Annual Meeting of the IDB Board of Governors. Governors, executive directors and members of board of directors were introduced to President Ilham Aliyev.
The meeting started with reading ayats from the holy Koran.
The event was opened by chairman of the Board of Governors of the Islamic Development Bank, Azerbaijan`s economic development minister Shahin Mustafayev.
The minister said the meetings to be held here would contribute to strengthening relations among IDB member countries.
On behalf of the governors of the bank group, the minister thanked President Ilham Aliyev for attending the 35th annual meeting of the Islamic Development Bank.
The minister said the meeting had been organized amidst recovery of the world economy. He praised the fact that IDB member countries maintained economic stability against the backdrop of the global financial crisis.
Mustafayev briefed the participants on the fundamental economic reforms carried out in the country. He said Azerbaijan had become one of the world's leading countries in terms of economic growth rates.
The meeting was addressed by President of IDB Group Ahmed Mohammed Ali who thanked President Ilham Aliyev for assisting to organize the event.
"This history is written by your ancestors and testament to your country's contribution to the Islamic civilization. Your country played a positive and constructive role in forming the Islamic civilization."
He said the crisis did not deny development of Azerbaijan.
"We are all indebted for these achievements to your late father Heydar Aliyev. May Allah rest his soul in peace!"
"He laid foundation of modern Azerbaijan. I would say he is a founder of modern Azerbaijan. Thanks to his wisdom and capabilities he managed to build the modern Azerbaijan," IDB Group President added.
President Ilham Aliyev made remarks at the opening ceremony of the 35th annual meeting of IDB Group Board of Governors.
"The conduct of an annual meeting of the Islamic Bank`s Board of Governors in Azerbaijan is a landmark event for our country. I am sure the meeting will be successful and its results will help deepen cooperation among Bank member states," said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.
The President pointed out IDB and Azerbaijan are successfully developing bilateral relations. According to him, Azerbaijan benefits from cooperation with IDB. The Azerbaijani leader highlighted IDB`s contribution to successful development of Azerbaijan.
"I think today's meeting will help expand ties among bank member countries and strengthen Islamic solidarity. Azerbaijan makes every effort to strengthen Islamic solidarity"
"We can strengthen this solidarity by mutual political support. We can strengthen this solidarity even more thanks to development of economic ties "
The Head of State underlined the need to solidify ties in not only economic and political fields but also in cultural and humanitarian ones.
The President said Baku was proclaimed the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2009 and hosted various events during the year. "We are trying to make contribution to cooperation among Muslim countries in all directions, and will continue these efforts."
Touching upon the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh conflict, the President said it causes great problems for "our country and region". The Head of State pointed out as a result of Armenia's groundless territorial claims, 20 percent of the territories of Azerbaijan are under the occupation of the Armenian armed forces.
The President added in the wake of this occupation and ethnic cleansing policy, more than one million Azerbaijanis became refugees and IDPs in their native land. President Ilham Aliyev added all buildings and infrastructure were destructed, while museums were robbed and exhibits were stolen.
The President pointed out Armenia continues its policy of occupation.
"For years Nagorno Karabakh and adjacent regions have been under occupation. Nagorno Karabakh is an original land of Azerbaijan and I do not doubt that Azerbaijan will restore its territorial integrity"
According to him, the conflict can only be settled on the basis of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, and international organizations adopted numerous decisions and resolutions which back "our position, the position of justice". The Head of State underlined OSCE, European Parliament, Council of Europe and other organizations recognize and support Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, but Armenia does not honor the norms of international law.
The President pointed out the situation of Azerbaijan was difficult during first years of independence in the light of Armenian aggression, internal negative processes, economic downturn.
"Thanks to the will of the people of Azerbaijan and activity of great leader Heydar Aliyev Azerbaijan managed to get out of the crisis. Political and economic stability was established in mid 90s. It allowed us developing rapidly," the President said.
Azerbaijani leader noted over USD 80 billion was invested in the economy of Azerbaijan in 1995-2010.
"We seek to develop all sectors of economy, boost the non-oil sector. We have achieved big accomplishments in this direction," said President Aliyev, adding Azerbaijani economy grew by over 9% despite the global economic crisis and dramatic fall in oil prices.
"This growth is a result of the work that has been done so far. Azerbaijan's economy is diversified and does not rely on one sector. Azerbaijan is an investor-friendly country," said the President.
"We have close cooperation with international financial organizations, which produce good results. We have economic and political stability in our country"
He noted stability and economic development are interdependent.
The Head of State pointed out Azerbaijan ranks first in the CIS territory and 51st across the world for the competitiveness index. The President added additional opportunities will be created in the country thanks to continuation of economic reforms and implementation of great projects.
The President said Azerbaijan is actively involved in international and regional cooperation, adding great energy projects initiated by the country are a vivid evidence of this.
"Concrete programs to strengthen the social sphere are being realized. Education, healthcare, culture, sport are priority fields for us"
The President pointed out that Azerbaijan implements huge infrastructure projects, in particular, in the transport sector. According to him, the construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway will link Asia and Europe.
"Azerbaijan will continue its historical mission. The Silk Road used to run through the territory of Azerbaijan. Today we restore this historical Silk Road with modern infrastructure projects and own initiatives in various forms"
The President noted "we will expand our cooperation with international financial organizations".
Ilham Aliyev underlined "we are honored to host such an international event".
President Ilham Aliyev wished successes to the participants.

AzerTAc