Statement by Mr. Elmar Mammadyarov Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan 42nd Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation

27-28 May 2015. Kuwait


Dear Mr. Chairman
Mr. Secretary General
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of the State of Kuwait for the high-level organization of our session and extended gracious hospitality. I also convey our deep gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the strong commitment and flawless work done during its chairmanship of the CFM.

In the light of the major challenges which our world and particularly Muslim countries are facing today our session on “Joint vision to strengthen tolerance and reject terrorism” has to deliver very clear messages and should be directed towards consolidation of efforts within the OIC to raise awareness about Islam, as well as contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding and respect between various religions and cultures.

Since our last meeting we have been witnessed the sorrowful and tragic events, such as the Peshawar school massacre in Pakistan, Boko Haram violence in Nigeria, violent killings in Paris and atrocities committed by ISIS and the latest one on mosque in Saudi Arabia. To the deepest regret, executors of these heinous acts distort religion to serve their barbaric causes. As a result, all these actions lead to the misunderstanding of Islam religion in some parts of the world. Islam is a religion that promotes peace and understanding among people of all faiths, and it strictly prohibits all forms of violence and aggression against any human being regardless his or her faith.

The Republic of Azerbaijan has always called for fight against defamation of religions and incitement to religious hatred. Azerbaijan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes, as it constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

As part of our sustained contributions for development of multiculturalism and tolerance, we were very pleased to host 3rd World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku on 18-19 May 2015. We are very delighted to host 7th Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations next year in our country.

It is a common knowledge that sport is a powerful tool to strengthen social ties and networks and to promote peace, fraternity, solidarity, non-violence and tolerance. As you know, Islamic Solidarity Games will be held in Azerbaijan in 2017 and it is a great honour and responsibility for us to host such event.

Excellencies,

The situation in Palestine and the question of Al-Quds Al-Sharif require a unified stand of the international community. We highly appreciate the valuable work of the OIC Secretary General and his staff to consolidate our efforts and organize visits of the OIC Ministerial Contact Group aimed to provide all necessary assistance to the people of Palestine. The Government of Azerbaijan stands for the two-state solution and reaffirms its full support to the brotherly people of Palestine in their efforts for achieving peace, stability and establishment of their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Distinguished Colleagues,

Azerbaijan reiterates its sincere gratitude to the Islamic Ummah, and OIC member states and OIC Secretariat for their long standing position in condemnation of the Armenian aggression and occupation of Azerbaijani territories with notorious ethnic cleansing on the seized lands. We highly appreciate OIC Member States demand for immediate, unconditional and complete withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from all our occupied territories, as it is urged by the relevant resolutions and decisions of UN Security Council, OIC and other international organizations.

Excellencies,

Following the rapid economic development, Azerbaijan has become an emerging donor country in the recent years. Since 2012 the national donor institution - Azerbaijan International Development Agency (AIDA), within the frame of strategic cooperation with Islamic Development Bank, has jointly carried out humanitarian actions under the “Alliance to Fight Avoidable Blindness” campaign in numerous African countries. As a result, thousands of people suffering from cataract were undergone to eye surgeries.

Mr. Chairman,

In conclusion, I would like to wish successful deliberations to this important event and express our high appreciation to OIC Secretary General Mr. Iyad Ameen Madani and his highly dedicated team for the professionalism in the realization of the goals and principles of our Organization.

Thank you.