TODAY.AZ / Politics

FM: Multiculturalism should be promoted widely to overcome radicalization, extremism and terrorism

23 May 2016 [17:57] - TODAY.AZ

/By Azernews/

By Gunay Camal

Multiculturalism and diversity should be promoted widely in order to overcome growing threats as radicalization, extremism and terrorism.

Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov made the remark addressing a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Eastern Partnership countries in Brussels on May 23, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reported.

“Azerbaijan with its vibrant multicultural society is ready to share its experience in this regard,” the minister said adding that the country “regard EU Strategy of Culture in its external action instrumental in identifying the modalities of our practical engagement in this field.”

The minister further added that the 7th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) held in Baku on April 25-27 2016, adopted the Baku Declaration which would serve as guidelines for states and international organizations in promotion of intercultural dialogue and multiculturalism as a way to counter violence and extremism and sustain peace, security and prosperity for all and everybody.

Mammadyarov reminded that the Forum’s themes and sub-themes reflected the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which incorporates the promotion of inclusive societies as pivotal component for sustainable development, and the creation of justice, peace, and security.

The minister also pointed that Baku welcomes the fact that the principles of differentiation, flexibility, focus and greater ownership feature the new European Neighborhood Policy document as a step to adapt EU policy vis-à-vis its Eastern dimension to current realities and the needs of partner countries.

“Azerbaijan has always demonstrated a strong political will to develop the relationship with the EU based on principles of equal partnership and mutually benefit. A year ago Azerbaijan introduced the draft Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) to the EU side on the margins of the Riga Summit. This agreement will lay the solid foundation for upgrading our bilateral relationship to qualitatively new level and for better securing our common interests,” the minister said.

Mammadyarov reminded that the visit of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini to Azerbaijan was a good opportunity for reviewing and discussing the future direction of the EU-Azerbaijan relationship.

“We attach great importance to enhancing our bilateral cooperation in many areas of shared interest and, having recently finalized joint consultations on the scope of Strategic Partnership Agreement, we understand that the EU will come up with an official mandate to launch negotiations soon.

Currently, we are working on the resumption of existing political dialogue mechanism aimed at re-energizing our bilateral cooperation. Furthermore, we are also ready to resume negotiations on Common Aviation Agreement with the EU,” he said.

Mammadyarov also emphasized that the revised ENP reaffirmed importance of completing the Southern Gas Corridor to achieving pan-European energy security.

“Timely and successful finalization of this global importance project is critical for bringing alternative gas volumes to Europe,” he said, adding that Azerbaijan is and will remain a committed partner to meet joint strategic interests in the field of energy security.

There is huge untapped potential in the area of transport as well, the minister further added. Azerbaijan continues to make all efforts to further contribute to the development of transit corridors in its region, particularly the East-West and South-North corridors. Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project, expected to be operational by the end of this year, will join the ranks of the region’s most critical infrastructures once China’s Silk Road Economic Belt concept comes to the full reality.

“These projects bear more implications than mere economic-commercial benefits. They will serve as an effective instrument for engagement in wider areas of common interest between the EU and Azerbaijan,” the minister concluded.

URL: http://www.today.az/news/politics/151011.html

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