Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of the Balakan District Culture Center

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of the Balakan District Culture Center.

The head of state cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the Center.

The attention being paid to the development of culture in Azerbaijan has significantly increased in recent years. Targeted measures have been taken to bring the conditions of people workers in this field to contemporary requirements. The development of culture and art is evident in the construction of new culture centers. Along with the capital, these measures have become widespread in the regions as well. A modern cultural infrastructure has emerged in the countryside of late, as a multitude of cultural facilities have been put into operation.

The Culture Center built in Balakan has an important place among them.

The President was informed that the construction of the Center had commenced in July 2012. Construction has been completed at a high level. The area around the building has been extensively landscaped and trees planted on it.

In the lobby of the building there is a photo stand reflecting the care and attention of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev, President Ilham Aliyev and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva to the development of culture. The total floor area of the building is 3,244 square meters. The hall for 260 seats has all the conditions for conducting a variety of cultural activities. The Center also has a canteen, technical and service facilities. There will be various clubs on the second floor. There is a drawing room, rooms for sculpture, dance and music clubs, and a room for teachers here.

After reviewing the Centre, the President met with representatives of Balakan District public.

Greeting the ceremony participants, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said:

- Good morning. I cordially greet and congratulate you on the opening of the Balakan Culture Center. It is a beautiful facility well worthy of Balakan. There will be various clubs here. At the same time, a large concert hall has been created.

Various regional events will be conducted here. From an architectural point of view, it is also a beautiful building which will impart further beauty to the city.

I have visited Balakan several times, and every time I have taken part in opening ceremonies. I am glad that the number of such ceremonies increases. The development of Balakan in recent years pleases me very much. I am sure it pleases you too. Recent years have seen tremendous progress. Social problems are being resolved in Balakan. On my last visit we celebrated the opening of a large hospital. An Olympic center and social sites are being established. There are excellent opportunities for people’s recreation here. I can say that perhaps the largest park in Azerbaijani regions is located in Balakan. It is a beautiful and magnificent park. It has a great symbolic meaning. At the same time, there are wonderful opportunities for recreation there.

Things in the economic sphere in Balakan are going well. New enterprises are emerging and jobs being created. Of course, it is also very important because the successful development of our country, first of all, requires a developed economy. I can say that the results in this area have been good in all our regions in recent years. The second part of the state program on the socioeconomic development of the districts is coming to an end. The program has been over-fulfilled, and the implementation of the third program will start next year. Thus, the outstanding issues will be resolved in the next five years.

But I must say that the implementation of major infrastructure projects in Balakan is also drawing to a close. Gasification has reached 95 per cent. We can say that gas lines have been laid in all the villages. This has never happened before.

The implementation of drinking water and sanitation projects will probably be completed by the end of next year. Thus, the city and the surrounding villages will be provided with clean drinking water around the clock. Now these projects are put in operation practically every week. Over two weeks we have commissioned projects in Kurdamir, Ismayilli and Oguz.

The implementation of a drinking water project in Zagatala is coming to an end. In Balakan this project will be put into operation next year.

So we are implementing social infrastructure and other projects. In the coming years we should probably have to pay more attention to the restoration of rural roads. This process has also begun and assumed large proportions in our country. But, as you know, these are the projects that require major resources and time because most of our rural roads were in disrepair. In recent years we have channeled major funds into this area and are trying to accomplish at least one or two major projects in each district. Therefore, complete reconstruction of rural roads in all the districts will take some time. But I believe that in the next five years, if not earlier, all rural roads will be reconstructed and built. This is the task set. In general, I can say that in every area we choose the maximum goals and pursue consistent policies to achieve them. Each district has its own program and development dynamics. In Balakan this dynamics is very positive.

Economic development, solution of social issues, landscaping and improvement are making me happy. Of course, Balakan is a multiethnic land. This is a great asset of ours. Azerbaijan is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country, and I can say that Azerbaijan is recognized globally as a center of tolerance. Azerbaijan has hosted various international events. These events attract a lot of attention.

Conducting events is a major achievement in itself. At the same time, I think that the opinions expressed at these conferences and forums contribute to the processes in the world going in a positive direction. Unfortunately, there is religious and ethnic intolerance in different parts of the world – in Europe, the Middle East and other regions. This is a negative trend of our times, and these processes are exacerbating. Unfortunately, the activities of some politicians and political groups lead to confrontations and disasters in the world. Now we are seeing that. We live in an Internet era, and there are opportunities to obtain any information on TV. Of course, we are very worried and concerned about that because it is wrong. Representatives of all ethnicities and religions should live in peace and brotherhood. All nations should respect each other. We are legitimately concerned about the developments unfolding in the world, of course, because we do not live in isolation or on an island. We try to spread the positive experience Azerbaijan has beyond our borders, so that Azerbaijan's experience could be studied broadly and our lovely atmosphere and the climate of brotherhood could spread to the whole world, at least to the region.

As for our country, ethnic issues in Azerbaijan are resolved at the highest level.

This may not be discussed a lot. There is no need for that. However, the development of our society, the lifestyle of our people, our national values and the widespread application of human values in Azerbaijan have led to positive results in this important area. Today, there is peace, tranquility and security throughout the country. This, of course, is underpinned by a sound policy and the public attitude to these issues. Such issues can’t be regulated only by government policies. Of course, the government is taking all the necessary measures on its part to exercise control over the situation and seeks to resolve all outstanding issues.

But at the same time, our advantage lies in the fact that there is a wonderful atmosphere of brotherhood in Azerbaijani society, and it is increasing. Our wealth is in our diversity. Our wealth is in our unity. The rights of representatives of all the peoples and religions living in Azerbaijan are properly protected. Azerbaijan is our homeland, all of us are the citizens of Azerbaijan, and I want to say again that ethnic diversity is our greatest asset. These are not just nice words – it is a reality. Every citizen, especially the citizens living in multi-ethnic regions, should try to preserve this great momentum, properly evaluate these realities and contribute to our common cause through their work.

I want to say again that Azerbaijan is a model country in terms of addressing ethnic and religious problems. My words are confirmed by the representative international events conducted in Azerbaijan, the ideas expressed at these events, including those voiced in the speeches of renowned scientists and Nobel Prize winners. We are open to the world and at the same time protect our national values. We share universal human values, but our main goal is our national values, our values. Our modern and independent state, which increases with each passing day, is built on these values. The strength of a state is derived from the strength of its regions. The adoption of regional development programs pursued this goal. It is impossible to compare the previous Balakan with the current one. Earlier, there was a lot to do here. I remember coming here for the first time and saying: I am confident that there will be development here and the Azerbaijani government will provide the region with all the support necessary. Today, this district has become a paradise.

This entire region starting from Baku, Gobustan, Shamakhi, Ismayilli, Gabala, Oguz, Shaki, Gakh, Zagatala, Balakan is coming to life and becoming the center of tourism, international events and summits. Of course, this demonstrates the development of Azerbaijan.

The successful development of each region eventually contributes to the development of our country. As for economic issues, economic reform is ongoing, and the indicators for seven months of this year have been very positive. The economy is growing. The non-oil sector grew by almost 11 per cent. This is a world record. The financial and economic crises bypass Azerbaijan – and not because they can’t reach Azerbaijan but because Azerbaijan, unlike some other countries, carries out a sound policy. We have never conducted a policy of unnecessary borrowing. We are living at our own expense, we live independently. Our country is strengthening day by day and ensuring its political independence by means of economic independence.

Today, Azerbaijan is a truly independent state. We are a state which is moving forward successfully and confidently. We have defined our goals. We must and will become a developed country. To do this, of course, it is very important for every citizen to make a contribution. The people of Balakan, as always, are loyal to country, state and statehood. By your hard work you are giving an impetus to our common cause. The construction of such beautiful buildings, of course, is confirmation of my words. I congratulate you again and wish you every success in your future endeavors.

Speaking on behalf of the local public, Sabuhi Algayev thanked President Ilham Aliyev for the care and attention being paid to the development of Balakan.