Dear fellow compatriots!
Dear countrymen!
I cordially salute you on the eve of the Day of Solidarity of Azerbaijanis of the World, which was established on the initiative of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev and has already become one of our traditional holidays, and wish each one of you happiness and prosperity.
The institutional development and strengthening of the unity of the Azerbaijanis living abroad, their stronger ties with their historical homeland are an important part of building the Diaspora. Currently, the structures established by our countrymen in various countries of the world are more organized and flexible thanks to the consistent support of the Azerbaijani government. It is encouraging that these processes actively involve our creative and patriotic young people who contribute to the strengthening of the Diaspora. A good example of this is the establishment in March of this year of the Union of the Azerbaijani Youth of the World.
The fact that our fellow countrymen are deeply integrated into the societies of their respective countries, play an increasingly active role in the public, political, economic and cultural life of these countries is commendable. This creates favorable conditions for the expansion of our country’s international relations, presentation of the realities of Azerbaijan to the world, promotion of our rich and diverse cultural heritage. At the same time, the centers of Azerbaijani culture established in Moscow, Houston, Paris and the Turkish city of Kocaeli, as well as the ones to be opened in other countries in the future, will significantly enhance the capabilities of our Diaspora. I do hope that Diaspora organizations will continue to pursue their efforts through cooperation with the State Committee for Work with the Diaspora, our diplomatic missions in foreign countries and the centers of Azerbaijani culture, and will engage in well organized activities.
The historical conditions have turned the dreams of world Azerbaijanis of solidarity and unity into reality after the establishment of our independent state. Therefore, we work consistently and purposefully to achieve comprehensive development of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the core of our national being, and to increase its power. As a result of the measures implemented both in previous years and in the outgoing 2012, the process of socioeconomic development was successfully continued in our country. Our strengthening economic potential has enabled us to pay more attention to social, cultural, legal and other areas, enhance our international authority and increase the number of our friends abroad. The decision to conduct the first European Olympic Games in Baku in 2015 is a clear indicator of Azerbaijan’s growing footprint and influence opportunities both on the continental and global scale.
Currently, the Republic of Azerbaijan, which operates as a member of the UN Security Council, is deeply aware of its responsibility for maintaining peace and security in the world. Today, our country as a space of multiculturalism and tolerance plays an important role in creating a global platform for cooperation between the Muslim world and the Western civilization, as well as the peoples belonging to other cultures.
Dear compatriots!
The independent Republic of Azerbaijan is the native land and a place of hope for all the Azerbaijanis of the world. Every Azerbaijani must do everything possible for the progress of our homeland and protection of its national interests. In order to cope successfully with such important tasks as the strengthening of our sovereignty, continued socioeconomic development, just settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and reliable protection of the rights and freedoms of our compatriots, we must join hands and unite our efforts. So today I once again call on the Azerbaijanis of the world for close unity and solidarity, persistent work for the preservation of our national and spiritual values, prosperity of our country and strengthening of its international standing.
I sincerely congratulate you on this remarkable holiday and wish each one of you good health, happiness and every success in your endeavors!
Ilham Aliyev
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Baku city, 25 December 2012
