Azerbaijan envoy lauds strong relations with KSA

Azerbaijan envoy lauds strong relations with KSA
Updated 28 April 2016
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Azerbaijan envoy lauds strong relations with KSA

Azerbaijan envoy lauds strong relations with KSA

RIYADH: The Azerbaijan ambassador to Riyadh said that Saudi Arabia and his country maintained a high level of cooperation in various areas, including culture, education, youth affairs and exchange of visits.

Rasim Rzayev was speaking at the opening of the 7th Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilization (UNAOC) that his country hosted on Tuesday in Baku, Azerbaijan.
lham Aliyev, the country’s president, Abulfas Garayev, minister of culture and tourism, and Nassir Abdul Aziz Al-Nasser, UN high representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, were among those present at the event.
Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Adel Al-Toraifi headed the Saudi delegation, which included Musaed Al-Salim, the Saudi ambassador to Baku.
Three-day event on “Living Together in Inclusive Societies: A Challenge and A Goal,” aims to stress the “inclusive” aspect of “living together,” and highlight the multiple perspectives of various sectors to meet the challenge of, and progress toward, inclusive living in today’s increasingly diverse societies, said the ambassador.
He said the event was the most anticipated one to be held in Azerbaijan in 2016. He praised the presence and leadership of Saudi Arabia, a brotherly country.
The ambassador said Azerbaijan served as a model of a country where people have been living together for centuries. He referred to the historical tolerance of Azerbaijan’s people, the political leadership of President Aliyev, and Azerbaijan’s strategic location between Eastern Europe and western Asia that have combined to foster an environment where people of various religions and ethnicities have lived together in mutual respect and harmony for national development.
“Azerbaijan’s experience, despite challenges, is an example of a country moving forward to substantive progress through inclusion,” he said.
According to him, living together in inclusive societies is consistent with the three major pillars of the UN — peace and security, human rights, development.
He said societies that provide avenues for political and economic inclusion reduce the reasons for violent approaches to power and wealth.
Beyond tolerance, respect for the human rights of minorities in inclusive societies helps minorities perceive themselves as full and equal members of their societies.
UNAOC activities are focused specifically on migration, education, media and youth. The promotion of just, peaceful and inclusive societies requires overcoming challenges in the areas of migration and education. Youth and media are key actors in moving forward to the goal of an inclusive society.
The forum will provide a platform to discuss the way forward to societies based on genuine respect for everyone’s rights including freedom of belief, equal opportunities, and good governance as well as an inclusive framework of tolerance and respect for diversity.
These themes have obvious resonance with UNAOC activities, which will be further explored in separate sessions and networking with current and potential partners.