Azerbaijan, Baku, Oct. 25 / Trend /
President Ilham Aliyev issued a statement in connection with the election of Azerbaijan as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
"A momentous and historic event occurred in Azerbaijan's history a few hours earlier," Aliyev said. At the elections to the UN Security Council, Azerbaijan was elected a member of this influential organization. I sincerely congratulate the Azerbaijani people on this great victory. This is really a great victory. The UNSC is the reputable organization in the world, and Azerbaijan as an independent state became a member of this body."
President Aliyev underscored that Azerbaijan had the advantage in each round and at all stages of the elections that run for two days.
"Azerbaijan was in the first place among the three candidates in the first round. At the following voting, our country received a very high support. As a result, 155 countries, supporting Azerbaijan's candidacy and expressing confidence in us, elected the country as a member of this influential organization. Taking advantage of this opportunity, I would like to thank all the countries that believed in us, trust us and have expressed great respect for us," Aliyev said.
He said Azerbaijan will faithfully serve the ideals of peace, security, democracy and justice, firmly established in the organization.
"We have achieved a lot of success. This year we celebrated the 20th anniversary of our independence. We have marked this great anniversary solemnly and with great success. The celebration events held prior to the anniversary, the statements reflect the dynamic and successful development of Azerbaijan. That is, Azerbaijan develops in all areas. Internal processes in the country run in a positive direction. Azerbaijan records a unique development throughout the world. It shows itself in all spheres," the President said.
Aliyev said Azerbaijan successfully moves in addressing social issues, economic development and infrastructure projects.
"In addition to all these accomplishments and reforms ongoing in the country, our foreign policy is very successful and flexible. The core of the Azerbaijani foreign policy lies in the fact that Azerbaijan pursues an independent policy. This policy ensures the interests of the Azerbaijani people. This policy is aimed at expanding and strengthening cooperation," Ilham Aliyev said.
The number of Azerbaijan's friends increase in the world, the President said.
"I have repeatedly expressed the Azerbaijani community's opinion in connection with this matter. Today, I would like to say that we have enough friends in the world. Although previously such statements were not corroborated by the concrete results, the UN elections become a clear proof of these statements. Over the world, 155 countries believe in Azerbaijan, honors Azerbaijan, sympathize and support Azerbaijan," Aliyev highlighted.
President Aliyev stated that such a great achievement indeed a historic success in the period of independence - for 20 years.
"We have been able to affirm ourselves as an independent state in the world for 20 years. We were able to prove that Azerbaijan is a reliable partner, a friendly country and increasing number of its friends is a celebration of our policy. These elections coincided with the 20th anniversary of our independence. This event is of a symbolic importance. It shows that for 20 years, Azerbaijan has shown itself as an independent state, as a country with great popularity in the world. This is the victory of the Azerbaijani people. This is the victory of the Azerbaijani state, the triumph of our policy. I would like to share joy with the Azerbaijani citizens in connection with this great victory. Once again I would to assure the Azerbaijani people that Azerbaijan will continue to develop. We will achieve even greater victories. Dear friends, I once again warmly congratulate you on this historical event, and wish health and luck to the whole Azerbaijani people. Thank you," he underscored.