Dear delegates and guests of the congress!
Let me sincerely salute all of you at the Third All-Russian Azerbaijani Congress being held on the 20th anniversary of the restoration of independence of your home country. Azerbaijan marks this anniversary with impressive achievements in various fields. Our achievements in the area of sustainable development have been appreciated by authoritative international institutions.
By preserving and developing the centuries-long tradition of a careful attitude to the historical and cultural heritage, we have ensured the continuity of our national and spiritual values in harmony with universal ideals. We are proud of the high level of tolerance and openness of Azerbaijani society. The activities of Azerbaijan’s 120,000-strong Russian community, which is represented in all areas of socioeconomic, public, political, scientific and cultural life of the republic, is vivid evidence of the situation in the field of interethnic relations in our country.
The current level of strategic partnership with the Russian Federation in political, economic, cultural and other areas deserves a very high assessment. There are many examples of our successful cooperation within international organizations, in particular the fact that friendly Russia supported Azerbaijan in its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council this year.
The Azerbaijanis living in Russia are playing a significant role in the development and deepening of our bilateral relations. It is gratifying that as an integral part of the multinational Russian society, they are making a worthy contribution to the development and prosperity of the Russian Federation.
Azerbaijani Diaspora organizations, most notably the All-Russian Azerbaijani Congress, have become an integral part of Russian civil society. By establishing its units almost throughout the country, the Congress has quickly turned into one of the most influential associations. Besides, as the Congress of World Azerbaijanis has shown, the promotion of our history and culture and information of the Russian public about our country are also a priority of its activities.
Dear friends!
I am sure that the Third Congress will become a milestone in the activities of the All-Russian Azerbaijani Congress and the Azerbaijani Diaspora, contributing to the strengthening and development of comprehensive Russian-Azerbaijani relations. I wish all the Congress participants every success, happiness, good health and prosperity.
Sincerely,
Ilham Aliyev
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Baku, 23 November 2011
