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Azerbaijan, Baku, Nov. 20 / Trend E.Ostapenko /
Azerbaijan does everything to bring peace and stability in the region, Political Analysis and Informational Provision Department head at the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Elnur Aslanov said at the opening of the international conference on "Obstacles to Security in the Caucasus: Realities and Prospects for Regional Cooperation."
"Azerbaijan is a country whose foreign policy is actively developed and this gives us an advantage in overcoming barriers," he added.
According to the official, while many countries suffer from the global financial crisis, economic growth continues in Azerbaijan.
"Democracy is not imported. It is instilled. Every effort should be taken for its development," Aslanov said.
Economic projects, such as Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum and Baku-Tbilisi-Kars, testify to Azerbaijan's economic development, he said, adding that these projects are the result of fruitful cooperation.
In terms of the energy sector, Aslanov said Azerbaijan plays a leading role in diversifying Europe's energy supplies.
In May 2009, Azerbaijan became an active member of the EU Eastern Partnership. Cooperation with European countries will help Azerbaijan to resolve problems with Armenia, Aslanov said, which will bring benefit to Europe as well.
He believes relations between Azerbaijan and other nations are also actively developing.
"These relations are dictated by national and universal interests. An example is our multifaceted relationship with Russia - historical, economic, social and, most importantly, cultural," he said.
Aslanov cited Azerbaijan's cooperation with the U.S. as another example.
"Our relations are developing in energy and security. Azerbaijan is actively working to improve its armed forces and bring them into line with NATO standards," he said.
Regarding Armenian aggression, Aslanov urged European countries to take seriously the situation and avoid double standards.
"A dual approach in such matters benefits only one side. Unresolved problems hinder regional development," he added.
According to Aslanov, Azerbaijan will never agree to participate in regional projects together with Armenia as long as the country's forces continue to occupy its territory.
He believes the situation is also disadvantageous for Armenia.
"Economic development in Armenia is very weak, which is mainly because the Ddiaspora faces a serious crisis. The Armenian leadership should realize that it is necessary to seek peace for the common good," Aslanov said.
Today the Center for Strategic Studies is holding a conference under a joint project together with the British International Institute for Strategic Studies in Baku.
Leaders and academics participated from leading think-tanks from around the world such as the International Institute for Strategic Studies (UK), Jamestown Foundation (U.S.), Johns Hopkins University (U.S.), Heritage Foundation (U.S.), and Institute for International Relations in Europe (Belgium).
The forum was attended by senior Azerbaijani state officials, MPs, international organization heads, diplomatic mission representatives accredited in the country, and mass media.
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