FM: 'Azerbaijan relies on human capital in country`s development'

Azerbaijan considers development of human capital, gradual change of thoughts of the people as well as strengthening the European values in the society as the element of country`s prosperity, Azerbaijan`s Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said in his interview to Germany`s Agenda Media edition.

The Minister stressed that Azerbaijan`s leadership relies on factors such as economic growth, deepening of the reforms in different areas, but mainly relies on the younger generation of Azerbaijani citizens. Azerbaijan has become steadily developing democratic state from a Communist country on the periphery of the Soviet Empire for the 20 years of independence. Struggle for the changes in the people`s thoughts played an important role in this.

“This is the basis of our struggle. I think that the further development of the country in many respects depends on the diversity of opinions and views belonging to the younger generation of Azerbaijan” said Mammadyarov, adding, studying of Azerbaijani youth abroad is not the last factor in this issue.

The Minister underlined: “Education is the best field for investment in terms of human capital development. According to the State Program which we prepared for the most talented students can study abroad, and contribute to country`s development after returning to their homeland”.

Mammadyarov pointed out the country`s leadership believes that studying in Europe and the US would strengthen the faith of young people in the common European values. “We think it is not only the best way of country`s development, but also good opportunity to strengthen the common European values in the Azerbaijani society.

The Minister highlighted that one of the main directions of country`s foreign policy is further integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures. “However, we are not so naive to mean membership in these structures while mentioning integration. We do not build our policy on the basis of principles of joining or not joining NATO or the EU”, he said.

The Minister stressed that Azerbaijan`s cooperation with NATO is developing in the framework of Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP). He described the relevant Plan as an effective mechanism for the continuation and deepening of reforms in the military sphere.

“Eastern partnership which features development of cooperation with the EU is also a good platform for strengthening cooperation and partnership between Azerbaijan and the EU member countries, as well as with the European Commission and the European Parliament”, said Mammadyarov, describing this cooperation as ‘productive’.

Speaking on the income from the development of the energy industry, the Minister underscored that they are directed to the development of various sectors. “We consider the energy resources as a strong base for the development of the nation, country and human capital, strengthening of independence and sovereignty. There are special state programs for investing in the domestic development. The state has developed a special program for development of rural regions. This program will be coordinated with the development rate of Absheron Peninsula”. We try that every citizen of Azerbaijan felt the positive effect from the development and export of energy resources of the country”, said the Minister.

Answering the question of if the religious factor is the threat to development, the Azerbaijani Minister underlined that he did not see this factor as a major threat to the country`s stability, as Azerbaijan is a secular Muslim state, where a secular way of life rooted in the society. Mammadyarov stated that “on the other hand, religion is a very important element from the point of view of the traditions and cultural heritage”.


/AzerTAc/