Distinguished compatriots!

 

Ahead of 31 December - the Solidarity Day of Azerbaijanis of the World, which arouses great joy and sincere feelings in each of us, I greet you from my heart and convey my best wishes.

 

The existence of an independent Azerbaijani state creates broad opportunities for the strengthening of national unity among Azerbaijanis of the world and for the organization of our countrymen. At the same time, our countrymen living abroad try to help our country to develop and solve existing problems. This help can be productive thanks to the strong unity, discipline and good organization of our countrymen. Therefore, the Azerbaijani state attaches great importance to the issue of establishing a diaspora and provides comprehensive assistance in this process. It is pleasing that ideas of Azerbaijanism and our national spiritual values are taking deep root among our countrymen living abroad. Along with taking important positions in the public-political, cultural and business life of the countries where they have settled, they also contribute to the promotion of Azerbaijan around the world, promotion of our material and spiritual heritage and prevention of ideological provocations against our country. I think that our diaspora organizations should increase their efforts in this field, unite their intellectual potential and material resources and expand relations with our diplomatic missions abroad. The third congress of world Azerbaijanis will be held in the city of Baku next year. I am confident that the congress will deeply analyze the activities of diaspora organizations, and the decisions that will be taken will give an impetus to the strengthening of the organization of our countrymen and their organizational flexibility.

 

The growing economic-political and social-cultural power of the Azerbaijani state and its dynamic development are the desire of all the Azerbaijanis in the world. In the outgoing year 2010, programmes planned in all spheres were successfully implemented. The strong potential for development in our country and the productive administrative system allow our state to stand all tests with credit.

 

A stable and sound public-political environment currently reigns in our republic. The parliamentary elections held in November this year demonstrated once again the triumph of the political line of our national leader Heydar Aliyev and the political maturity and organization of our society.

 

Despite the successes we have achieved, we should not forget that we are still at war. Currently, there is no task more important than the restoration of our country's territorial integrity. This is our national mission. It is this factor that prompts us to increase the military capability of our state and pay special attention to the strengthening of our armed forces. In order to avoid bloodshed, devastation and humanitarian catastrophes again, we are trying to resolve the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict peacefully. However, Azerbaijan's fundamental position on this issue remains unchanged: Nagorno-Karabakh is an integral part of Azerbaijan and the conflict must be resolved based on the territorial integrity of our country.

 

It is with a feeling of pride that I announce that Azerbaijan is stronger than ever before. Our strength is not just in our economic and military power, but also in our close unity. Therefore, regardless of where we live, ideas of national unity and solidarity should dominate the mind of each of us as the main values that unite us.

 

Dear sisters and brothers!

 

The Solidarity Day of Azerbaijanis of the World reflects our countrymen's love for their homeland, our people's respect for their history and culture and their loyalty to our state and ideas of Azerbaijanism. I sincerely congratulate you on this holiday and wish you all happiness and success in all your work!

 

Ilham Aliyev,

President of the Azerbaijan Republic

 

Baku, 24.12.2010.