Ilham Aliyev praises program on socio-economic development of Azerbaijani districts

Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 26 Trend: Today Azerbaijan discusses the implementation of the state program on socio-economic development of districts of Azerbaijan, said the country’s President Ilham Aliyev. The president made the remarks at the conference dedicated to the results of the second year of implementation of “State program on socio-economic development of districts of Azerbaijan Republic in 2014-2018”. President Aliyev said the third program was adopted in 2014 and is being successfully implemented. “Each year we discuss the implementation of this program, define the directions for further activity. The implementation of this program is our very successful step,” he said. The president said that in 2004, when the first program was adopted, the task was set so that Azerbaijan’s districts would develop in an accelerated manner. “Infrastructural projects should be implemented in districts, jobs, social enterprises need to be created, so that the country’s development would be comprehensive and sustainable,” President Aliyev said. The head of state said that in 2015, the economic crisis in the world intensified even more. “The world economy still can’t get out of the crisis,” said the president. “Having recently participated at the Davos World Economic Forum, I again witnessed that the global economy will remain in a difficult situation for now.” Meanwhile, the president said that despite the crisis, many issues were solved in Azerbaijan in 2015. “All the tasks envisaged since the early year were fulfilled,” he said. “It is surely our great success, given uneasy geopolitical situation and the global economic crisis. That’s because bloody clashes, wars continue in our region, new hotbeds of confrontation are being created.” “The people who have lost their homes, loved ones and property, rushed to Europe, and what awaits them there - it all happens in front of everyone,” he said. “Unfortunately, migration crisis exacerbates Europe's radical forces. It is the greatest danger for both Europe and us, as well as the whole world.” He added that Azerbaijan has been playing its role in strengthening the dialogue between civilizations for many years. But, unfortunately, confrontation, misunderstanding, strife are observed on a global scale instead of dialogue, Ilham Aliyev said. “That’s the way economic and geopolitical situation is,” Ilham Aliyev said. “The situation experienced in the region and the world surely concerns us. But at the same time, we have to work even harder. We need to successfully carry out our policy and fulfill all the tasks facing the country. I believe that in 2015, Azerbaijan was able to maintain the dynamics of successful development in all areas.” He added that the country's international prestige has greatly increased. “Last year, I made 20 official and business visits abroad,” Aliyev said. “Heads of more than 15 foreign countries and governments visited Azerbaijan, which is a progress itself. It shows that Azerbaijan plays a very active role in the international arena, and there is a great respect for Azerbaijan in the world. I see it every time I travel abroad. This time, taking part in the Davos forum, I once again saw a great favor and respect towards the policy, the position, principle stand of our country, towards the success achieved.” “We successfully continue cooperation with international organizations,” said the president. “We strengthen activity within the framework of organizations, the members of which we are. We have established relationships based on mutual respect with all other organizations and we want to deepen these relationships. I believe that in 2016, our activity with international organizations will be carried out more rapidly.” Socio-political stability is maintained and ensured in Azerbaijan, and the main reason for that is the unity of the government and the people, said the president. “That’s because our policy protects the interests of the Azerbaijani people,” said the president of Azerbaijan. “For me, interests of the Azerbaijani people and the Azerbaijani state are above all.” Follow us on Twitter @TRENDNewsAgency