The president said that extremism, to some extent, stems from illiteracy, and illiterate young people sometimes get attracted to terrorist acts.

The head of state noted that some politicians change their programmes for the sake of rating and make radical speeches.

“There are such NGOs. The role of media in this regard is significant. The forum aims to have us unite our efforts in the face of these challenges. I have strong confidence in the forum to be a success. Decisions will be fulfilled,” he said.

He stressed, Azerbaijan is making huge investments in education and literacy rate is close to 100 percent in the country. “Over the past decade, 3,000 schools have been built and repaired in the country,” he added.

President Aliyev said, over the last ten years Azerbaijan's economy has grown threefold.

"Our foreign debt accounts for no more than 20 percent of our gross domestic product. Poverty and unemployment have decreased to 5 percent. Azerbaijan ranks 37th in terms of economic competitiveness,” he said.

The president noted, the election of Azerbaijan as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council once again confirmed the prestige of the country.

The head of state recalled that Azerbaijan signed agreements on strategic cooperation with 9 member countries of the European Union.

"Azerbaijan makes a significant contribution to ensuring energy security. The Southern Gas Corridor will unite the seven countries at the initial stage. These countries will become our natural partners, with which we will be interdependent,” said President Aliyev, adding. “The projects initiated by Azerbaijan are an investment made by our country in international cooperation and intercultural dialogue.”

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