On July 9th President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions of Muslim countries in Azerbaijan on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan.

Welcoming the meeting participants, President Ilham Aliyev said:

- Distinguished Ambassadors, let me warmly welcome all of you. Our meetings in the holy month of Ramadan are of traditional nature. Our countries have great respect for traditions. Our nations share many issues and traditions. I want to take this opportunity to ask you to convey my warm greetings and best wishes to the heads of the states and governments of the countries you represent.

During the year we repeatedly meet with you at various events, during the visits of heads of state and government and other high-ranking officials of the countries you represent. In short, we are in regular touch during the year. But our meetings in the holy month of Ramadan, of course, have a special meaning.

I am glad that Azerbaijan has close ties with the countries you represent. Our political relations are at a very high level. We cooperate in the humanitarian sphere and in matters related to culture very actively. Of course, all of us would like to see the economic ties at a high level as well, and we are committed to this. I believe that in the current circumstances the joint economic initiatives, investment projects and joint business activities can strengthen our relationship.

In a recent meeting with the ambassadors of Azerbaijan I noted that the relations with Muslim countries are our foreign policy priority. All of us should strive to strengthen Islamic solidarity and further reinforce the unity among Muslim countries.

I am glad that we always support each other in the international arena and successfully cooperate in international organizations, in particular the United Nations. Mutual support in the UN strengthens our positions. This is also required by justice. In particular, we are particularly pleased with the support of Muslim countries in the UN on the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. For many years the internationally recognized territory of Azerbaijan has been under occupation. Armenia has flagrantly violated international law. The Armenians have conducted a policy of ethnic cleansing against us, perpetrated the Khojaly genocide. The Armenians have destroyed all our historical and religious monuments on the occupied territories.

This conflict is one of a handful of conflicts in the world on which the UN Security Council has adopted four resolutions demanding a withdrawal of the Armenian forces from Azerbaijani lands. Therefore, of course, the support for the position of Azerbaijan is a manifestation of respect for international law and an example of brotherhood and friendship.

We, for our part, defend and will continue to defend the interests of Muslim countries in all the international organizations we are a member of. You know that Azerbaijan is very active and is expanding its role in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. We are making a tangible contribution to improving the international authority of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. For two years Azerbaijan was a member of the UN Security Council. Over these two years we chaired this authoritative structure twice. We twice initiated the discussion of certain issues. One of them concerned the fight against international terrorism. The fight against international terrorism is our common cause. The second theme was related to the cooperation between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations. In essence, this demonstrates our priorities. I am confident that our countries will continue to cooperate successfully within the framework of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and we will always support each other.

At the same time, Azerbaijan is taking specific steps to strengthen intercultural dialogue. As you know, we have played a special role in the development of relations between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Council of Europe. In 2008, Baku hosted the first joint ministerial event of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Council of Europe. This initiative was called the "Baku process". Today the "Baku process" is recognized and respected in the international arena.

Azerbaijan currently chairs the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and has openly declared its priorities. We will try to make an additional contribution to the strengthening of intercultural and interreligious dialogue. There is a huge need for that. Unfortunately, some European countries do not display a proper attitude to Islamophobia. Anti-Muslim trends have intensified in some countries, while relevant state bodies do not take adequate measures. We, for our part, try to thoroughly inform the European public about Islamic culture, religion, history, we try to show that Islam is a religion of peace and mercy.

Our countries have a very ancient and rich history and culture. With this purpose, different countries have regularly conducted days of Azerbaijan and events dedicated to Azerbaijani culture. I think that some of the activities we can carry out together with the countries you represent.

As you know, in the next three years Baku will play host to the European games, as well as Islamic Solidarity Games. Of course, these games will be major sporting events. At the same time, I believe that these Games will have a positive impact on the development of intercultural dialogue.

In other words, dear friends, I am confident that as a result of our joint efforts and activities the processes ongoing in our countries, the region and the world will go in a more positive direction.

Muslim countries have great potential, large population, natural resources and economic capacity. We need to try to consolidate our efforts in order to create even better future for our peoples. Thank you.

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Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Azerbaijan Hassan Hami then made a speech.

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A picture was taken at the close of the meeting.