Discussion of issues on cooperation between Azerbaijan and NATO

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Mətbuat xidmətinin məlumatı 30 MAY, 2013

The Deputy Prime Minister, the chairman of the State Committee for Deals of Refugees and IDPs Mr. Ali Hasanov met with the Secretary General’s special representative for Women, Peace and Safety Ms. Mari Skare. Perspectives of development of bilateral relations, Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno Karabagh conflict issues were discussed, exchanged views on a number of issues of mutual interest at the meeting. Ali Hasanov stated that the cooperation between Azerbaijan and NATO began after the restoration of our independence. At the moment Azerbaijan has all-round cooperation with NATO. Our country makes an outstanding contribution to NATO activities, takes an active part in the peacekeeping operations. Speaking about the Azerbaijan’s rapid progress, Ali Hasanov noted that after signing the “Contract of the century” founded by our national leader Heydar Aliyev, our country started to develop dynamically. It was mentioned that the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev defined three strategic targets - to join the ranks of developed countries, to decrease the level of poverty, to minimize the dependence of our economy on oil. Social and economic reforms are carried out, state programs for the development of regions are implemented, new jobs places are opened in order to achieve these targets. Noting the considerable achievements of Azerbaijan in the political, economic and cultural spheres, Ali Hasanov underlined the biggest problem in more powerful development of the country- Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabagh conflict. It was stated that the negotiations have been continuing for over 20 years under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group. The resolution of the conflict must be based on the norms and principles of international law. Armenia ignoring the demands of international community and holding destructive position continues its illegal activity in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. The Deputy Prime Minister spoke about the works carried out to improve social, living conditions of refugees and IDPs. It was mentioned that 78 modern settlements were established due to the care and attention of the head of our state to this field. At present the works in this direction are intensively carried out. Mari Skare stated that the aim of the visit is to participate in the Second World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, as well as to get more information about Azerbaijan's realities. She underlined the importance of enhanced cooperation on Women, Peace and Safety issues between Azerbaijan and NATO. Noting the successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and NATO, she mentioned the active participation of our country in a number of Alliance programs. At the end, the book “Ethnic cleansing in Armenia and information on over one million people having become refugees and IDPs upon occupation of 20% lands by Armenian military forces (1988-2011)”, the discs of the films about the conflict were presented to the visitors.