NEW AZERBAIJAN PARTY

Ali Hasanov, Head of the Public and Political Affairs Department of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, responded to questions from Forum Daily American-Jewish newspaper. In the interview, he highlighted Azerbaijan`s experience and achievements in inter-civilization dialogue, and Azerbaijani-Israeli cooperation.

“Pursuing the policy of a secular, modernized, multicultural society demonstrates President Ilham Aliyev`s commitment to turn the country into one of the world's humanitarian centers. We have ensured the rights of all national minorities, religious confessions, including a 20,000-strong Jewish community and its cultural and religious life. I would like to underline that there is the Azerbaijani diaspora in Israel numbering more than 70,000 people.”

“It should be noted that Azerbaijan, which is part of the Islamic world, has friendly relations with both all Islamic countries and Israel. I believe that this practice can also serve as a model in the bilateral relations between civilizations.”

He said: “Azerbaijan believes that in today's world there is no place for ethnic and religious confrontations, territorial claims, escalation of tension by forcing ethnic and religious intolerance, incitement to violence and hatred. All the issues should be solved in compliance with international law, constructive dialogue and mutual understanding. Our country, if necessary, can contribute to the strengthening of peace and stability in the Middle East, between Israel and the Islamic world.”