Azerbaijan, Baku, Oct. 28 / Trend E. Tariverdiyeva /
British Foreign Secretary William Hague has sent a letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev following Azerbaijan's election to the UN Security Council for the next two years, the embassy said on Friday.
Foreign Secretary said that Azerbaijan's membership comes at a crucial time as the Council continues its work to maintain international peace and security.
William Hague adds that he has no doubt that Azerbaijan will contribute positively to the Council's activities, and he looks forward to working with Azerbaijan as partners on the Security Council.
Azerbaijan was elected a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2012-2013, gaining 155 votes from the UN member countries.
Before the last round of voting, Slovenian Foreign Minister Samuel Zbogar announced the withdrawal of his country's candidature as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. In the round prior to this statement, Azerbaijan gained 116 votes, and Slovenia only 77.
In the last round 155 countries voted for Azerbaijan, 24 countries abstained and another 13 still voted for Slovenia.
Overall Azerbaijan gained more votes than Slovenia in previous six voting rounds, but was unable to collect 129 votes necessary for the election.