Ilham Aliyev: science is of great importance in development of Azerbaijan

Today in the Azerbaijani capital Baku a general meeting coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan (NASA) was held. The meeting was attended by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, who spoke to academics and congratulated the staff of the Academy on the anniversary.

In his speech President Aliyev noted that NASA, having travelled a successful journey for 70 years, plays an active role in the development of the country even today – its researchers with their scientific work have contributed greatly to the development of Azerbaijan, the latest technology has been applied in various fields due to their scientific work, the Trend news agency reports.

The President recalled that during the early years of independence the attitude to the Academy was negative. The former leadership of the country  considered that there was no need for the activities of this structure, and only after the return to power of the country's leader Heydar Aliyev did the work of scientists become appreciated, and today science is one of the priorities in the development of the country.

Speaking about the role of scientists in the progress of the country, Ilham Aliyev said that in a world where there are new threats, it is important for every country to rely on its inner resources. He stressed that Azerbaijan, being an island of peace, stability and tranquility in the world in recent years, is also trying to reduce dependence on the oil and gas factor and is achieving it.

"I am sure that the economic development of our country will continue in the coming years,’’ the head of state said, stressing that the sustainability of the economic development of Azerbaijan is largely dependent on scientific research, and advised the NASA staff to make their valuable suggestions in connection with the new situation in the world. It is essential that researchers have already started work on a new strategy, taking into account the demographic development, Ilham Aliyev said, urging them to be active in connection with the development of the non-oil industry and strengthening food security.

"Industry and the agricultural sector will ensure our further development,‘’ the President of Azerbaijan said, stressing the need to deepen international cooperation in the space industry.

In his speech, the President said that there is a wide field of activity for Azerbaijani scientists in the field of the military industry as well. He noted that today Azerbaijan produces military products more than of a thousand types and basic equipment of the Azerbaijani Army at the expense of domestic production.

President Ilham Aliyev called on scientists to become acquainted with international experience for the use of the latest technologies in the oil and gas sector, which is of a strategic importance for the country: "Scientists face many challenges. The main thing is that Azerbaijani science develops and contributes to our common development,’’ the head of state said.

The President noted that Azerbaijani scientists should be active on the issue of multiculturalism, preserving the purity of the Azerbaijani language, bringing to the world more complete information about the rich history of the country.

The President of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, academician Akif Alizadeh, thanked Ilham Aliyev for taking part in the anniversary ceremony and noted that recently a large group of scientists was awarded by order of the head of state. He regarded it as a high estimation of Azerbaijani science and the achievements of Azerbaijani scientists. Akif Alizadeh said that the staff of the Academy didn't come to the 70th anniversary with empty hands and have prepared fundamental work. The President of the Academy, on behalf of the scientists, expressed gratitude to the President once again for the attention to and care for science and scientists.

A Nobel Prize winner, Professor George Fitzgerald Smoot, noted that he is informed about the rich history of NASA and the achievements of Azerbaijani scientists in various fields, including physics, biophysics and space industry. He expressed interest in cooperation with Azerbaijani scientists.

The Director of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna (Russia), the Academician Viktor Matveyev, read a congratulatory message from the  scientific establishment headed by him. "Azerbaijan should be proud of its scientists," Matveyev said, referring to the relations with the Azerbaijani counterparts and implementation of joint projects. He also thanked President Ilham Aliyev for his attention to science and scientists.