Speech by Ilham Aliyev at the ceremony of presenting the “Person of the Year – 2013” award of the Foundation of National Hero Chingiz Mustafayev and ANS Group

- Thank you very much again for this award. I should note that I traditionally transfer the cash award into the fund of the Armed Forces. This watch is beautiful and expensive, so I can’t wear it. But I promise you that this watch will be kept in the museum.

Thank you for the kind words about me. Indeed, 2013 will remain in our history as a successful year. 2013 started with a success and ended with a success. Early on, our attention was drawn to the creation of the “ASAN xidmət” center. When this service was set up, many people could not possibly imagine that it would win great sympathy and create a serious turnaround in the field of public services in Azerbaijan in such a short time. But according to the latest information, and statistics change almost on a weekly basis, there have already been about a million applications to the service center.

The establishment of “ASAN xidmət” was a very serious tool, a serious tool in our ongoing policy against corruption, bribery and bureaucracy in Azerbaijan. As you know, we intend to expand the activities of this center this year. New offices will be opened in all our regions. And in the future “ASAN xidmət” centers will operate in every city. Along with this, the functions of the service will be expanded. Now we are thinking what other services could be added. Perhaps you journalists could also help us with that because you are well aware of the problems in society and what people are most concerned about. Your channel regularly prepares programs about that. I welcome that. We must make sure that the issues of concern to society and our people and the factors causing such problems are eliminated. We will adopt administrative measures. At the same time, institutional measures are also expected.

Signing at the end of the year of the "Shah Deniz-2" project was an excellent end to 2013. This project, along with “ASAN xidmət”, is an event of paramount importance for the future development of our country. It will provide for political and economic interests of our country for decades to come. As you know, Azerbaijan has demonstrated its leadership in the field of energy policy again. On seeing after many years of deliberations that the Southern Gas Corridor project was being stalled, Azerbaijan bravely assumed the political and economic responsibility. The "Shah Deniz-2" was signed in very a strained situation.

Of course, the public was not informed about many issues because, as you know, this matter was decided behind closed doors. But I can only say this: until the very last week the signing of the "Shah Deniz-2" project was still under question even though the date of 17 December was established a few months earlier, all the guests were invited and all the activities prepared. But due to certain interventions it was not clear until the very last week whether the project would ever be signed. But I must say that Azerbaijan and its partners consolidated all the efforts and succeeded in signing this historic project. Between these two important and, if I may say so, historic projects in 2013 there were other significant events as well. You have also mentioned them. In particular, the launch of the “Azerspace-1” satellite into orbit was an event of historic significance. Perhaps five to 10 years ago no-one, including myself, could ever imagine that Azerbaijan would be a member of the club of space-faring nations and would be engaged in the development of the space industry.

We also have plans for the future. I am sure that these plans will be implemented because the launch of the “Azerspace-1” satellite has already led to the opening of a new page. This industry is very important for an overall progress of our country, the development of the non-oil sector, the improvement of the business environment and the enhancement of the intellectual potential. I am very glad that control over the satellite has been exercised by Azerbaijani specialists for a few months now. Young Azerbaijani experts are actively involved in the development of the space industry. Similarly, the vast majority of “ASAN xidmət” personnel are young people. The promotion of such youth and its responsible attitude will determine our future successful development because the development of any country is determined by its intellectual potential. At a time when high technology is rapidly developing, the advantage will belong to countries with a rich intellectual potential – in politics, on the battlefield and in the economic sphere.

Certainly, Azerbaijan is a young independent state, and the development of our science is not at the desired level yet.

There are natural reasons for that. But the most advanced technology already available and emerging in the world should be imported to Azerbaijan. Thus, I believe that there is no disagreement in society regarding the development and strategic direction of our country. Our society rallies around a single idea – to make our country even stronger, our independence even more durable and the lives of our people even better. A huge role in this belongs to trained personnel. I am aware that you at ANS are paying very serious attention to personnel training. You train personnel for many other channels, and I appreciate that. The process of personnel training in any field should go even faster and be more focused, so that we could maintain this momentum of development in the future too. Of course, the development of the space industry will help us address these issues in the future.

There were other events in 2013 too. You have also pointed to the Davos Forum held in Azerbaijan. This forum was held in Baku for the first time in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. The theme was also associated with the problems of the South Caucasus and Central Asia. In other words, the formation of Azerbaijan as a center has already been completed in the economic sphere as well. As you know, the Davos Forum commends the ongoing economic reforms in Azerbaijan and has honored us with 39th place globally in terms of economic competitiveness. This is a very high indicator. We are first in the CIS and ahead of many developed countries. We have specific programs on enhancing the competitiveness of our economy.

2013 was a memorable year in the economic sphere as well. In terms of the pace of economic development Azerbaijan has become the first country on the European continent. We have already got accustomed to this. As Mr. Mustafayev has said, we are used to quite a lot. Of course, I also see this and do so with great joy. Sometimes I am told that, well, people are used to this. Let them remember what state Azerbaijan was in 20 years ago. I say: it is very good that they are accustomed to this because this reality is evident everywhere, it shows itself everywhere. We have to get used and will get used to even better conditions. I have always said that the Azerbaijani people deserve an even better life. We all need to create this life.

But, of course, I believe that being the first in Europe in the economic sphere is a high indicator. If I add to this all the other indicators, we will see that in many respects we have left behind developed European countries – the public debt, the budget deficit and the investments.

I can say that last year was a record year in terms of investment, as a total of $28 billion was invested in the country's economy. For comparison, I can say that such an amount has not been invested in the Armenian economy in all the years of independence perhaps. So in terms of our economic and political potential we have long gone beyond the regional framework. The main goal for us is to reach the level of developed countries. Economic reforms alone will not be enough to achieve that. Azerbaijan should develop even faster in all respects. We should continue political reforms, reforms in the social sphere, and the principles of social justice should be fully endorsed. Of course, the fight against corruption and bribery should be waged even more seriously. But Azerbaijan can already keep up with developed European countries on several criteria.

In 2013, we carried out major reforms in the social sphere. The repayment of bank deposits was ensured. I am proud to say here that Soviet deposits were returned to Azerbaijani citizens with the highest interest rate and in the shortest time in the CIS. Reforms have been deepened. In particular, personnel changes have been carried out in the areas of most concern to society. You know this quite well and have covered it in the media. In education, army building and the social sphere we have launched very serious reforms. These reforms are bearing fruit. The tightened public oversight in these and all other areas will certainly help us to take even more rigorous steps in addressing negative phenomena. In any case, personnel and structural changes, changes in the approach to work are already a reality. Our society is aware of that. I also evaluate and supervise this work, of course. We must make sure that the most advanced methodology and the most advanced technologies are applied to all spheres of life in Azerbaijan.

There is a need for major reforms in governance. I have repeatedly said that we certainly feel very confident in the economic field. We do not owe anything to anyone today and no-one is in need of anything. Our economic independence preconditions our political independence. Therefore, we confidently conduct a fundamental policy, protect the interests of the Azerbaijani people and state at all costs, and we are capable of doing that. It is one thing when you want to do it and it is quite another when you can do it. We have created such a strong economy that we can do it. But this is not enough for the future successful development of our country. Our society needs to be modernized. Azerbaijan should apply the most positive practices that exist in the world, of course, as long as they are consistent with our national customs and traditions. We should build a society where problems would be at the minimum level. Of course, you as journalists also know very well that there is no society in the world that would have no problems at all. But any government and any society should at least strive for this. I believe that the unity between the government and the people and the solidarity over common ideas in Azerbaijan will lead us to even greater success.

In 2013, we successfully completed our activities in the UN Security Council. Two years ago I said that we will uphold justice and international law in the UN Security Council. And we did! We demonstrated a principled position on each issue. The UN Security Council is a structure where it is impossible not to express a position. Therefore, some countries do not even try to become a member of this structure because if they do, they will have to demonstrate their position. In society, in politics and in foreign policy, there are people and countries that do not wish to express their position, they want to be good for everyone. But the Security Council is a structure where this is impossible and, as a matter of fact, we have never regarded such an approach appropriate. Back in earlier years, today and in the future Azerbaijan had, has and will continue to have a principled position on each topic, and this position is always based on justice, international law and, of course, the interests of our state.

This two-year experience has been very important for us. We have accumulated a lot of experience. At the same time, the support for Azerbaijan in the world has further increased. I have to say that with confidence. As a result of this two-year activity, the support and sympathy for us have increased and Azerbaijan’s principled position has, of course, attracted even more international attention. But I must also mention the fact that our election to the Security Council was not so easy. You probably know quite well that Azerbaijan was elected after 16 rounds. And there are reasons for that. These reasons are not yet fully disclosed. Perhaps the time has not come yet. But I can tell you, as you probably know, that both in the first and final votes Azerbaijan was ahead of other candidates by a large margin. Usually when the gap is large, other countries withdraw their candidacy. But this time it was not the case. It took 16 tours for Azerbaijan to be elected a member. I can say that we had serious opposition. Unlike the opposition inside the country, it was really serious opposition. But despite this, we demonstrated a principled stand and did not retreat. A proposal was even made for Azerbaijan to withdraw its candidacy as it was already under time pressure. I do not believe that there has been another situation in the UN when the process took 16 rounds and three days. I remember our foreign minister, who was sent there, to regularly send us information. On Friday, this process was suspended and on Saturday and Sunday work was carried out with some countries in an effort not to support the candidacy of Azerbaijan. After that, the situation got somewhat difficult. But the UN is an organization where it is impossible to achieve anything by pressure. There are over 200 members in it and most of them are not very rich countries. Therefore, the UN is dominated by justice and integrity rather than pressure and any other methods.

Our election to the Security Council is a historic event from two perspectives. First of all, it is history. Azerbaijan has twice presided over the Security Council, the world’s top structure. The second aspect is that we achieved it in a tense struggle. We are accustomed to a difficult struggle. It was noted here that despite the smear campaign that is sometimes used against Azerbaijan, our international authority is growing and the development of our country is obvious. The attacks on us are underpinned by several factors. I have talked about this and you probably know it too: countries demonstrating a principled position usually come under pressure and someone tries to draw them to their side. There is a struggle in this direction. In particular, Azerbaijan, a country that has already established itself as a geopolitical center, attracts excessive attention.

It is no secret that at least regional developments depend on our position. But Azerbaijan has a say even on a broader area. It is impossible to push us aside. It may be possible not to reckon with us, but there will be no result. Without respect for Azerbaijan's position not a single project can be implemented here.

It is therefore natural that pressure is exerted on us in various ways. We are used to it and do not pay any attention. The main thing is to be sure that you are on the right track. The main thing is that Azerbaijani society endorses and supports the current policy. I can say that as President and politician I am more reinforced and inspired by the confidence and support of the Azerbaijani people rather than the economic independence of Azerbaijan. This trust further strengthens me and shows that where there is political will and where there is loyalty to a political course, any issue can be resolved.

The confidence shown in me in last year's presidential election has demonstrated once again that despite all the libelous campaigns, the Azerbaijani people remain loyal to their choice. I can say that the maturity, vision and high intellectual level of the Azerbaijani society serve the development of public processes in a positive direction, of course.

So I want to return to one of the main topics for future years again – education. Education determines the future of any country. These words are spoken quite often but they are true. In illiterate societies or societies with a low level of literacy external intervention can be completed successfully. External advocacy can influence the development of such countries. Therefore, an informed, mature, educated and literate society provides effective insurance against extremism, external interference and other adverse events.

It is known that for the most of our history we were part of other states and empires. Azerbaijan was a colony. There were different forms of colonialism but the essence remained the same. Therefore, we must still work hard to assert ourselves more seriously in psychological terms, as well as economically and politically. In the foreground here are education, preparedness of society and patriotism. I believe that Azerbaijan will see very positive developments in these two areas in the coming years.

2013 saw some major events indeed. I am confident that 2014 will also be successful for Azerbaijan. We all strive for that.

I want to express my gratitude to you for this high award again. I can say again about your media projects that I watch your programs. I know practically everyone sitting here, though not personally. I hope you always win the sympathy of the Azerbaijani people in the future. People believe in you, you are being watched, and the role of the media in the modern world is gradually increasing, of course.

In conclusion, I would like to say that 2013 was a successful year for the development of independent journalism in Azerbaijan. All the freedoms are available in Azerbaijan – there is freedom of speech and free Internet. There is no censorship and no interference. Everything associated with freedoms is provided at the appropriate level in Azerbaijan.

The activity of ANS plays an important role, of course. After all, you are our first independent television channel, you are a pioneer in this area and, of course, you, as authors of new approaches, new methods and new projects on television, have done a great deal. I believe that you have retained your position to this day.

I wish you continued success. I am sure that in the future you will actively participate in the development of independent and free journalism in Azerbaijan, make every effort for the further development of our country and our state.

I welcome you again, express my gratitude to you and wish you every success in the new year. Thank you.