President Ilham Aliyev: Traditions of multiculturalism existed in Azerbaijan for centuries

Baku, December 3, AzerTAc “The traditions of multiculturalism, a relatively new concept in our vocabulary, have existed in Azerbaijan for centuries. They simply had a different name, but the essence has always remained the same. I think that the positive traditions created over the centuries, including the Soviet time, have been strengthened further in modern Azerbaijan. And this forms the basis of interethnic accord in our country, the basis of a dynamic development, a modern development of our country,” President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said in his interview to “Russia-24” Russian State Television and Broadcasting Company. The Azerbaijani President said: “In the modern world, we unfortunately see a completely different picture – standoffs, discord, discrimination. Some countries have actually stated on an official level that the policy of multiculturalism has suffered a fiasco. This is a very dangerous trend and I think that the example of Azerbaijan attests to the contrary. It shows that it is possible to be attached to one’s culture and history, but at the same time have respect for the culture of representatives of other ethnicities and religions. And it is no coincidence that Baku has become a center of international cooperation in this area. We have recently established an international center of multiculturalism in Baku, are conducting various activities and international forums. And, of course, as a multiethnic and multi-confessional country, Azerbaijanis demonstrating an example of how to skillfully address these matters when there is a social demand and a prudent policy of the state.”