Azerbaijani president speaks at third conference of Azerbaijani communities

Baku is hosting the third conference of Azerbaijani communities. A
film about Azerbaijani communities was presented.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made a speech at the conference.

The president said that they had made strides since the first
conference. Azerbaijan is developing fast, the country is governed by
democracy. It has freedom of speech and the press. The country is
modernizing.

The Azerbaijani economy increased 3-fold. GDP increased by 300%,
poverty dropped 5-fold.

$16 billion was invested in Azerbaijan in 2010, living standards
improved significantly. Azerbaijan accounts for 75% of the region’s
economy.

Ilham Aliyev pointed out that there were 336 community organizations 5
years ago and there are 416 today. He called for unity of communities
and diplomatic missions.

This can be achieved via the internet. The president noted that a
country where 50% of the population has internet access obviously has
freedom of the press.

Ilham Aliyev also urged businessmen to hire Azerbaijani workers.

1272 people are due to attend the third conference of Azerbaijani
communities. The conference has 580 delegates and over 210 guests from
42 states. They represent state and government structures,
non-governmental organizations, scientific, educational and cultural
structures and political parties. Over 15 major communities have been
organized since the previous conference, making a total of 450.