Baku hosted the Summit of Alliance of Conservatives and Reformists in Europe
Baku, June 9, AZERTAC
The Baku Summit of the Alliance of Conservatives and Reformists in Europe (ACRE) under the motto “Building a Shared Future” has kicked off in the capital of Azerbaijan.
The Summit brings together official from across Europe, MPs, public and political figures, scientists and businessmen, and representatives of non-governmental organizations.
The official part of the event featured a presentation on Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijani President’s Assistant for Public and Political Affairs Ali Hasanov then read out President Ilham Aliyev’s congratulatory message addressed to the participants of the Baku Summit of the Alliance of Conservatives and Reformists in Europe.
Addressing the event, First Deputy Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Parliament Ziyafat Asgarov emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges facing the world, and noted that the interparliamentary relations play a crucial role in this regard.
Ziyafat Asgarov also drew the audience’s attention to the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh problem, underlining that the decisions and resolutins adopted by a number of international organizations on the settlement of the dispute must be fulfilled.
MP Gudrat Hasanguliyev, chairman of the United Azerbaijan Popular Front Party, which is a member of the Alliance of Conservatives and Reformists in Europe, highlighted causes and heavy consequences of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the crimes committed nowadays by terrorist groups in the name of Islam.
President of the Alliance of Conservatives and Reformists in Europe, Vice-Chairman of International Trade Committee of European Parliament, Jan Zahradil thanked President Ilham Aliyev for the message addressed to the summit participants. He hailed the fact that the Baku Summit coincides with the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, and described Azerbaijan as an important country. “Stability reigns here. This is a crucial factor for cooperation. Azerbaijan enjoys its worthy place in the world for its achievements and important role,” he said.
The second panel meeting of the Baku Summit of the Alliance of Conservatives and Reformists in Europe (ACRE) held under the motto “Building a Shared Future” mainly focused on economic liberties.
In his remarks, Azerbaijani Deputy Minister of Economy Sahib Mammadov highlighted the economic achievements of the country.
He noted that Azerbaijan is successfully integrating into the world economy. “We are signing multilateral trade agreements and at the same time, improving the legal framework in this regard. We are also cooperating with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the World Bank. Diversification of the economy is of great importance to the oil and gas producing countries as much as to Azerbaijan. It is vital to develop specific strategies in this direction,” the deputy minister added.
Fred McMahon, representative of the Canadian Fraser Research Institute, emphasized the significance of an open competition and protection of property rights to the economic freedom for citizens. He hailed what has been done in Azerbaijan to improve people's social welfare.
Shanker Singham, Director of International Trade and Competition Unit of the UK Institute of Economic Affairs, stressed the importance of creating a healthy competitive environment in the economic sphere, which can also contribute to the development of entrepreneurship.
Azzan Al Busaidi, representative of Oman’s Public Authority for Investment Promotion & Export Development, said that investment is a major prerequisite for the improvement of business environment in any country. He emphasized that the key point is the partnership between the public and the private sector.
A presentation on Baku's bid to host World Expo 2025 has been held as part of the Summit of the Alliance of Conservatives and Reformists in Europe (ACRE) held in the capital of Azerbaijan under the motto “Building a Shared Future”.
Azerbaijan's special envoy for Baku Expo 2025 Elnur Sultanov highlighted the work carried out as part of preparations for the World Expo. He noted that Azerbaijan enjoys vast experience in holding various global events, including exhibitions.
Sultanov said that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which is widely celebrated in the country and abroad. He briefed the audience about the multicultural environment existing in Azerbaijan, saying that different ethnic groups co-exist in the country in mutual respect and harmony. He noted that Azerbaijan has always promoted global respect and understanding, and hosted various international events, including major sporting tournaments. He described Baku Expo 2025 as a great opportunity for Azerbaijan to introduce itself to the international community and to make its voice heard on the global arena.
Elnur Sultanov called on ACRE to support Baku's bid to host the World EXPO 2025.
The event then featured the screening of video clips on various international events recently hosted by Azerbaijan.
