Details added (first version posted at 14:19)
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 7
By Sabina Ahmadova - Trend: In May 2014, Azerbaijan will assume the chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and during its presidency the country will encourage the cooperation with regional organizations, including those representing other continents, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, Elmar Mammadyarov said on November 7.
The minister made these remarks during his speech at the 6th Democracy Forum held in Indonesia.
According to Mammadyarov, Azerbaijan will continue to further cooperate closely with the Council of Europe - the continent's main human rights watchdog, as well as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe for further development of domestic human-rights protection mechanisms and fostering democratic reforms.
Mammadyarov said that there is an opportunity for joint activities between the Council of Europe and the Bali Forum's implementing agency - the Institute of Peace and Democracy in order to raise the effectiveness of efforts in the crosscutting areas, like the promotion of inter-religious and intercultural dialogue.
"Azerbaijan has always been a place of peaceful coexistence and tolerance between different ethnic groups and religions. As a bridge between East and West also active member of the Group of Friends of the Alliance of Civilizations, Azerbaijan contributes to the promotion of inter-religious and intercultural dialogue which is one of the main priorities of its foreign policy," the minister underlined.
According to Mammadyarov, Azerbaijan believes that for promoting and strengthening democracy the country needs sustainable development and good economic performance. Azerbaijan demonstrates full support and undertakes ceaseless efforts for eradication of poverty and promotion of sustainable development and global prosperity, the minister said.
Azerbaijan pays particular attention to addressing the special needs as well as vulnerabilities of least developed countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, Mammadyarov added.
According to the minister, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2012-2013, Azerbaijan fully dedicated itself to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security.
"During our chairmanship in the Security Council in May 2012 and October 2013, promotion of international cooperation against terrorism and encouragement of cooperation between the United Nations and regional organisations in the peaceful settlement of disputes were among our priorities," the minister underlined.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, Elmar Mammadyarov is taking part at the 6th Democracy Forum, held in Indonesia on November 7-8.
The theme of this annual forum is 'Consolidating Democracy in Pluralistic Society'.
The Democracy Forum has been held since 2008 at Indonesia's initiative.
The purpose of the forum is the consolidation of international and regional cooperation through dialogue and exchange of experience in the sphere of peace and democracy.