On May 3rd an official reception on the 20th anniversary of Azerbaijan`s UN membership and the country`s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2012-2013 was arranged here on behalf of President Ilham Aliyev. 
The ceremony brought together President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, UN Secretary General Ban-Ki moon, US influential political and public figures.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with UN Secretary General Ban-Ki moon.
Ceremony participants congratulated President of Azerbaijan on the 20th anniversary of Azerbaijan`s UN membership and the country`s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
A resolution on Azerbaijan`s membership to this organization was adopted during the 46th session of the UN General Assembly, on March 2, 1992.
Then, the flag of Azerbaijan, the 181st member of the organization, was hoisted before the UN headquarters in New York. On May 6, the Azerbaijani representative office in the UN started its operations. The cooperation with UN helped Azerbaijan to closely integrate to the world community, cement its international positions and create big opportunities to expose aggressive policy of Armenia.
President Ilham Aliyev made a speech at the ceremony.
The Head of State expressed his gratitude to the guests. The President said Azerbaijan celebrates two momentous events in its history and marks the 20th anniversary of its UN membership.
He stressed last year Azerbaijan was elected a member of the UN Security Council. Some days ago, Azerbaijan took over presidency in the UN Security Council. President Ilham Aliyev said Azerbaijan regained its independence 20 years ago and during this period carried out large-scale reforms in the political system. Azerbaijan as a tolerant country plays today an important role in implementation of the intercultural dialogue around the world.
On achievements in the field of economy, President Ilham Aliyev underlined that over the past years, GDP increased in Azerbaijan several times, poverty level decreased and process of economic diversification is being successfully realized. All these indicators are confirmed by the reports of international organizations.
On Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh conflict, the Head of State said the UN Security Council adopted four resolutions. Unfortunately, these resolutions have not been fulfilled by Armenia. "Nagorno Karabakh conflict seriously undermines international peace and security and grossly violates the international law. Nagorno Karabakh is a native Azerbaijani land and violation of the country`s rights must be restored as soon as possible," said the President.
On the Azerbaijani-American relations, President Ilham Aliyev said the ties were developing in the political, economic and energy fields. He stressed Azerbaijan is a strategic partner of USA in fighting terrorism.
President said some months ago international community showed confidence to Azerbaijan and elected it as a member of the UN Security Council. The Head of State said Azerbaijan, an active and constructive member of this structure, will always support justice and norms of international law and peace.
Then, a banquet on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Azerbaijan`s UN membership and the country`s election as non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2012-2013 was arranged in New York on behalf of President Ilham Aliyev.

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