Azerbaijan, UN determined to cooperate for achieving sustainable development goals

/By Azernews/

By Laman Ismayilova

The extensive relations between Azerbaijan and the United Nations was the topic of discussions in Baku, as the newly-appointed UN Resident Coordinator in the country, Ghulam Isaczai, met with the country’s leadership.

Ghulam Isaczai presented his letter of credentials to President Ilham Aliyev on April 12, Azertac state news agency reported.

President Aliyev, addressing the meeting, reminded that Azerbaijan established close relations with a number of institutions of the United Nations, saying that the country maintained very active cooperation with the organization.

Baku had hosted several important events of the United Nations, the president said, expressing hope that Azerbaijan would successfully continue its cooperation with the UN institutions.

The head of state further said the poverty reduction was one of Azerbaijan`s great achievements, and added that the work was being carried out to completely eliminate poverty in the country. New employment mechanisms were introduced and social programs were being implemented. These measures would significantly contribute to the elimination of poverty.

President Aliyev underlined the importance of interaction between the UN and relevant bodies in Azerbaijan in terms of the country`s achieving goals in a short period of time.

The head of state also highlighted the importance of the Seventh Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations to be held in Baku. The President said the forum would allow Azerbaijan to share its development experience and present itself to the world.

The Forum, that will take place April 25-27, will bring together around 2,500 participants. The forum, whose participants will include heads of state, government officials, civil society, religious and youth leaders, will be held under the motto "Living Together in Inclusive Societies: A Challenge and A Goal".

The seventh Global Forum will also feature a Youth Event on April 25, which will bring together 150 young leaders from 110 countries.

The UN official, for his part, expressed his hope that the organization would be able to support the implementation of sustainable development goals in Azerbaijan.

Reminding that the UN and Azerbaijan had maintained fruitful cooperation over the last 20 years, Isaczai said that the organization intended to strengthen its current partnership ties with the government of Azerbaijan.

The UN Resident Coordinator said he was deeply impressed with the ongoing development processes in the country, and emphasized the significance of the country`s accomplishments in poverty reduction and rehabilitation of infrastructure.

Isaczai said he observed significant changes in Azerbaijan in comparison with his previous visit, adding that this development was achieved under the leadership of national leader Heydar Aliyev and President Ilham Aliyev.

“The United Nations is interested in expanding cooperation with Azerbaijan,” Isaczai once again stated as he met Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov. At the meeting, Isaczai presented a copy of his credentials to Mammadyarov.

Congratulating Isaczai on his appointment, the minister expressed his hope that he would contribute to further development of relations between Azerbaijan and the UN.

Mammadyarov stressed that the cooperation between Azerbaijan and the UNDP was successfully developing.

Informing his interlocutor about the large-scale energy and transport projects implemented with Azerbaijan's initiative and participation in recent years, Mammadyarov highlighted the recent steps which carried out for the realization of East- West and North – South transportation corridors.

Gulam Isaczai mentioned that the UN stands ready to provide its technical support for the realization of these transportation corridors.

The UN Resident Coordinator noted that he would spare no efforts to contribute to the strengthening of ties between Azerbaijan and the UN, mentioning the successful experiences of “ANAMA” and “ASAN” Services of Azerbaijan, which other countries can also be benefited.