The president was responding to the questions of journalists at the press conference held in Berlin with Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel.
He said Azerbaijan has, in the last 11 years, been one of the most rapidly developing countries in the world in terms of economy.
“According to surveys held in Azerbaijan, my rating stands at about 90 percent,” he further said. “This is related to the reforms that have been in recent years conducted in Azerbaijan.”
“The economy has grown by over three times, the unemployment and poverty stand at the level of five percent. In terms of competitiveness, Azerbaijan’s economy ranked 38th in the assessment of the World Economic Forum in Davos. Naturally, with such results the rating of any leader should be high,” President Aliyev said.
Speaking about the freedom of speech, Azerbaijani president said that it is provided in the country by 100 percent.
“Hundreds of media outlets operate in Azerbaijan,” the president said, adding, “At the same time, no restriction is put on the internet in the country. The internet is free, there is no censorship.”
He noted that the number of the internet users is about 72 percent.
“The freedom of press is provided in full,” he further noted.
President Aliyev went on to add that the same can be said about the freedom of assembly.
“The rallies of various political parties and groups are regularly held in Azerbaijan. They are conducted freely, without any restrictions,” the president said.
He noted that in recent years there has been great progress in Azerbaijan regarding the development of democracy.
“It is of course very important for us. I am sure the political reforms should be carried out simultaneously with the economic reforms. Only this way the sustainability of reforms can be ensured,” President Aliyev said.
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