Statement by Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, at the Ministerial Mini-Summit on Humanitarian Response to the Horn of Africa on the sidelines of the 66th Session of the UN General Assembly

New York, September 2, 2011

Madam Undersecretary-General,

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

At the outset, I would like to express Azerbaijan’s deep concern about the humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa, caused by one of the devastating droughts in recent history, and to convey our sincere words of solidarity with the governments and peoples of Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti.

We consider this event, being held on the margins of the General Assembly session, as an essential effort to response to the crisis, to raise the necessary resources to support funding the relief measures in the drought-stricken areas of the Horn of Africa.

I would like to commend the work done so far by the United Nations and its relevant agencies, as well as by the African Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, individual Member States and partners, to improve the situation and raise funds for urgent needs of the peoples in the affected countries.

Over the recent years, Azerbaijan has been enhancing its humanitarian assistance to support international and national efforts aimed at eradicating poverty and promoting 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 this regard, Azerbaijan, as a responsible member of international community feels moral obligation to join the international efforts to help end the suffering in the Horn of Africa.

On 11 August 2011, the Government of Azerbaijan and the United Nations Development Programme signed the Standard Administrative Arrangement for Common Humanitarian Fund in Somalia. By signing this Arrangement, we have responded to appeals of the Government of the Somali Republic, the United Nations and other international organizations for urgent aid to support the ongoing efforts towards the eradication of famine in Somalia, the worst-affected country in the region, and alleviation of the suffering of the Somali people. In accordance with the Standard Administrative Arrangement for Common Humanitarian Fund in Somalia, the Government of Azerbaijan has pledged and contributed, through the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office, the assistance in the amount of 100,000 US dollars. In addition to the assistance, which come from the Government of Azerbaijan there is assistance, which come directly from privet sector and citizens of Azerbaijan exceeding more than 250 000 US dollars.

Furthermore, International Finance Corporation Fund for Africa, Latin America and Caribbean (ALAC), to which the Republic of Azerbaijan contributed 100 million US dollars, has approved several investments for Kenya, and we look forward to their soon realization.

The Government of Azerbaijan is currently considering additional funding to support the international community to ramp up its efforts aimed at responding to the humanitarian situation and contributing to mid- and long-term sustainable solution to the crisis in the Horn of Africa.

Thank you.