Ilham Aliyev: Social protection of the population is above all else

In spite of the  economic difficulties experienced, the issues of social protection of the population continue to be in the focus of the authorities of Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev stated at a meeting dedicated to solving economic and social issues, held yesterday.

The President reminded that last year there was a sharp decline in oil prices. "We also see this process in 2016. Over the past year, oil prices have quartered. In other words, the incomes of petroleum-exporting countries have declined significantly. Most of the revenues of Azerbaijan are, of course, connected with oil. Over the years we have been trying to reduce our reliance on oil. But so far we were not able to fully achieve this. In this case, the decrease in oil prices has a negative impact on our economic situation. I can say that Azerbaijan is taking serious steps to address this situation. Among the countries that are in the same position as us, Azerbaijan was able to get out of this crisis with minimal losses," Trend quoted him as saying.

According to the President, the current situation was analyzed at the government session on the results of 2015, after which appropriate instructions were given. "These instructions must be followed. Then Azerbaijan's economy will also maintain its momentum in 2016, and our country will come out of this difficult situation with honor. Previously we were faced with an even more difficult situation. In all such moments the Azerbaijani people and the Azerbaijani state have demonstrated strong will. We have achieved tremendous successes in building an independent state. Today, Azerbaijan is a rapidly developing country on a global scale. The reports of international financial structures constantly note the successes achieved in Azerbaijan," Ilham Aliyev said.

"I can say that no one could imagine the current global economic crisis. No one could imagine that the oil prices will decrease by 4 times over the year. But at the same time, the global economy is not going through such a recession that oil prices would decrease by 4 times. Here, of course, there are other reasons, geopolitical reasons. However, this is not the topic of today's meeting. The main theme is that we came out of this situation with minimal losses, and additional measures should be taken in this direction. During the last week I held several meetings with government officials, they voiced different opinions, suggestions and have already begun to implement these proposals," the head of state informed.

"Additional assignments will be given at today's meeting. I am sure that, after carring out these orders, the country's economy will get a fresh wind, economic activity will increase and, of course, social protection of people will be provided at the proper level. First and foremost, issues of social protection of people must be at the center of our constant attention. In fact, this is one of the main directions of our policy," - he stressed.