Azerbaijan, Baku, Oct. 17 / Trend M. Aliyev /
As one of the challenges of the XXI century, the illegal drug trafficking poses a great danger for the future mankind, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said in a welcoming letter addressed to the participants of the international conference on combating drug trafficking in Baku on Monday.
As a financial source of terrorism, it is the strongest threat to international security, the president said in his letter.
Head of the Presidential Administration's Law Enforcement Bodies Work Department Fuad Alasgarov read out the letter.
"The world is concerned that the conflict zones are used for drug trafficking," the Azerbaijani President's letter said. "Azerbaijan has been facing with the problem for 20 years. The use of the Azerbaijani occupied territories by the Armenian armed forces to produce and transit drugs creates the conditions to expand drug business and international terrorism. The fight against drug addiction and illegal drug trafficking to ensure social and economic stability in Azerbaijan, the preservation of people's health and their well-being and moral values are defined as a common state task."
The President's letter said the necessary legislative base was created within the state programs realized in this area. The institutional reforms were undertaken. Azerbaijan joined the relevant international documents and initiatives. Holding such a conference in Azerbaijan, jointly with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and the World Customs Organization demonstrates confidence in our country as an international partner.
Opening a regional office of the World Customs Organization in Baku to enhance its potential coincides with a significant date - the 20-year anniversary of restoring the independence, the letter said.
"I am confident that the discussion of issues of common concern at the conference will give participants an opportunity to take advantage of international experience," the letter said. "This will strengthen our cooperation and will contribute to the joint fight against illegal drug trafficking. I wish you success and convey my congratulations to the participants of the conference."