Azerbaijan, Baku, July 2 / Trend E. Tariverdiyeva /
Azerbaijan is a Muslim country. It enjoys close ties with Israel and Muslim states. It is an important strategic partner of the United States, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov's article, published at Hill.com website, said.
"Azerbaijan's unique and essential role in the world is based on five pillars: our tradition of tolerance; our strategic location; our economic performance; our understanding of regional security; and our quest for peace in our neighborhood and around the world," the minister said.
"Azerbaijan is an ancient civilization whose current independence serves as a bridge-builder and peacemaker between different countries and cultures," the article said.
"Azerbaijan is known for its tradition of religious tolerance and cultural diversity - qualities unfortunately in short supply in today's world," the article said.
"A secular yet majority Muslim society, Azerbaijan has enjoyed centuries of peaceful coexistence between the three great monotheistic faiths: İslam, Christianity and Judaism," Mammadyarov said.
"Indeed, our 35,000-strong Jewish community has been living in Azerbaijan for 2,500 years without persecution, with full dignity and respect - among the few places on Earth where people may not know what anti-Semitism is. With the close bonds between our peoples, we in Azerbaijan strongly believe in democracy building, protection of human rights and the rule of law," the article said said.
"Azerbaijan has a pivotal position on the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East," he said.
"Azerbaijan is uniquely situated to serve as a regional transportation hub and to supply Europe's energy needs," the article said.
"Azerbaijan is increasing its contribution to European energy security. Bringing gas from Azerbaijan will further diversify energy supplies for our European allies," the article said
"The election of Azerbaijan as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council testifies to the international community's recognition of our growing role in maintaining peace and security," the article said.
"Azerbaijan contributes to the consideration of issues central to international peace and stability, including counterterrorism, reduction of human and drug trafficking, sustainable development, multicultural understanding, and assistance to the conflict resolution process in the Middle East and elsewhere," the article said.
"With more than 40 percent of supplies bound to Afghanistan crossing through our country, Azerbaijan stands shoulder to shoulder with the US and NATO," the minister's article said.
"As a member of European multilateral institutions, such as the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, as well as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, uniting 56 Muslim countries around the world, Azerbaijan serves as a crucial link for partners such as the US, Israel and other Muslim nations," the article said.
"Azerbaijan seeks to avert further suffering brought by the ongoing conflict with Armenia," the minister said. "The resolution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is essential, since more stable and prosperous Azerbaijan and Armenia promise a more stable and prosperous Caucasus."
"For Azerbaijan and other emerging countries, what really guarantees our security is a culture of peace and tolerance within our societies," the article said.
The conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 per cent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.
Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group - Russia, France and the U.S. - are currently holding peace negotiations.
Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council's four resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions.