Dear youths!
I cordially salute you, the participants of the constituent congress of the World Union of Azerbaijani Youth, and send you my best wishes.
Having covered a 20-year road as an independent state, the Republic of Azerbaijan has strengthened its national statehood, increased its economic power and political authority and become a worthy member of the international community over a short period of time. Noted for new ideas and a desire to build, Azerbaijani youths have contributed to all the achievements and played an active role in the public, political, social and cultural development of our country.
Azerbaijan's future depends on the education of our youths, their ability to apply innovation, their patriotism and commitment to the national and spiritual values. Therefore, a comprehensive development of our youths, solution of their social problems and creation of favorable conditions for them to take a rightful place in society are one of the main directions of our state policy. In recent years, our country has passed and is now successfully implementing important laws and special state programs involving youth.
The growing interest of our young people in education, science and modern information and communication technologies, their patriotism and expanding public activity give ground for even greater expectations in the future. It is gratifying that regardless of place of residence and social status, every representative of the Azerbaijani youth is proud of his native fatherland and makes every effort to protect national interests.
I believe that the World Union of Azerbaijani Youth will help to better coordinate the activities of our youth, facilitate unity among the young generation, communicate Azerbaijani realities to the world, strengthen the Diaspora and promote our cultural heritage. I am sure that the day when this impressive forum is conducted will go down in the history of the Azerbaijani youth movement as a significant event.
I congratulate you again and wish the congress every success.
Ilham Aliyev
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Baku city, 9 March 2012
