Elmar Mmmadyarov made a statement

Azerbaijani FM made a statement in the 16^th Ministerial Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement, took place on May 25 in Bali, Indonesia

Mr. Chairman,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Allow me, at the outset, to express my appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Indonesia for the warm reception and wonderful hospitality extended to me and my delegation since our arrival in this wonderful city of Bali. Indonesia is the birth place of the historic Bandung Principles to which the Republic of Azerbaijan has already confirmed its willingness to adhere to and respect.

I wish also to express my profound respect to the Government of Egypt in its capacity as the Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, for the exemplary leadership and contributions to facilitate the accession process of my country to this very important political forum.

And of course I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all members of the Movement for their valuable support to the membership of Azerbaijan.

Membership in the Non-Aligned Movement will allow the Republic of Azerbaijan to effectively cooperate with non-aligned countries in various fields and contribute to the Movement's constructive role in international relations for the purpose of achieving more just, equal and international-law-based world order.

Azerbaijan pursues a multidimensional and balanced foreign policy and proved itself to be a reliable partner, as well as a strong, stable, predictable and to a greater extent decisive country to cooperate with in the Caspian-Caucasus region.

Since joining to the United Nations on 2 March 1992, Azerbaijan has consistently demonstrated its strong commitment to the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, which are indispensable foundations of a more peaceful, prosperous and just world.

Azerbaijan has always been a place of coexistence and tolerance between different faiths, ethnic groups and philosophies. As a bridge between cultures and active member of the Group of Friends of the Alliance of Civilizations Azerbaijan feels responsible for the promotion of inter-religious and intercultural dialogue based on mutual respect and understanding.

This year is the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the NAM, and it remains as relevant today as it was when it was founded. The demise of the Cold War has, in no way, diminished the unique role of the NAM as a mechanism for the political coordination of non-aligned countries. We must deepen our resolve to revitalize NAM as was agreed during the Thirteenth Summit that was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in February 2003, and on several occasions thereafter.

In order to realize a more coordinated and efficient Movement capable of responding to a rapidly changing international environment in an effective manner, we have to explore new ways and means. It could be both strengthening the existing mechanisms, including Coordinating Bureau, Working Groups or Caucuses and finding new ways of better coordination and representation, such as supporting each others candidacies to the supreme bodies of International Organizations and coordinating activities and decisions within the framework of these bodies.

Azerbaijan deeply value the prominent and dynamic role of the Movement over the past 50 years on vital issues of common concern to its members and I am fully confident that the Non-Aligned Movement which has evolved from a forum uniting the visions of its members to a forum resolutely advancing the causes of justice, peace and prosperity will be as strong and coordinated in the upcoming 50 years as it is now.

Azerbaijan recognizes that poverty eradication and a balanced integration of economic growth, social development and environmental protection are the main three indispensable pillars of sustainable development. My country is determined to contribute to the realization of the development goals and objectives agreed within the United Nations. It demonstrates full support and undertakes ceaseless efforts for eradication of poverty and promotion sustained economic growth, sustainable development and global prosperity for all, paying particular attention to addressing the special needs and vulnerabilities of the developing and least developed countries as well as those recovering from natural disasters. In the last 5 years Azerbaijan has provided extensive humanitarian assistance to and contributed to the implementation of national development policies and strategies in a number of countries from different regions.

With these words Mr. Chairman, let me conclude my speech and at the end I would like again to reiterate my warmest gratitude to all the members of the Non-Aligned Movement for their valuable support to the full membership of Azerbaijan.

Thank you.