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Azerbaijan, Baku, April 7 / Trend, V. Zhavoronkova /
Azerbaijan believes that the culture is one of the basic forces in human relations. It can bring people together, as well as lay the foundation of personal and collective relations, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said addressing the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku on Thursday.
"It is very important to focus on the realities that we achieved in cultural diversity. While we are speaking about cultural diversity and cultural communication, then a question arises how we can achieve it," he said.
Mammadyarov said the question arises whether to establish or introduce new forms of such cooperation or whether it is more efficient to strengthen its already existing forms.
According to Mammadyarov, introducing the new forms of cooperation will intrigue a question about their essence. "On the other hand, could one expect strengthening of the already existing forms of cooperation - this question is addressed to all of us," he said.
Mammadyarov said that one should take all necessary measures to successfully realize both options.
"Such issues are especially important if you look at recent developments in the world - in our region [South Caucasus] and the Middle East. I think culture takes an important role in improving understanding," he said. "I personally believe that we have achieved cultural diversity, peaceful coexistence of people belonging to different religions and nationalities in Azerbaijan," Mammadyarov added.
He said Azerbaijan realizes that it faces many challenges.
"We believe the tolerance existing in Azerbaijan is one of the achievements gained over the centuries, and it is a good model," he stressed.
"In this regard, this forum is very important and such forums should be held more frequently in order to meet and talk to each other," Mammadyarov added.
The World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue has today started in Baku. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is attending the Forum. The Forum is dedicated to intercultural dialogue and cultural diversity to achieve peace and development.
The Forum was opened with the session "Towards a world without borders". Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and Senior Adviser to the UN Alliance of Civilizations Jean-Christophe Bas head the session.
Information technologies, particularly Internet, social networks, have become part of almost everyone's life. When we talk about cultural diversity, it is necessary to stress the positive role of the Internet, which provides access to museums such as the Louvre, and other treasures of world culture, he said.
"Development of information technologies is a very interesting phenomenon, which plays an important role in achieving sustainable development. In addition, the Internet provides a wide venue for civil society discussions on topics such as press freedom, as well as opportunities for journalists," he said.
"I believe the use of these information technologies in the 21st century opens absolutely new page in intercultural dialogue and cultural diversity," Mammadyarov added.