Caspian Energy (CE): Mr. Hasanov, how would you evaluate the results of the last year for Azerbaijan?

Ali Hasanov, Head of the Department of Public and Political Issues of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan: The year 2013 was very successful for Azerbaijan from the standpoint of fulfilling the tasks the society faced and addressing priority issues of our foreign and home policy. Among the key factors characterizing the last year were dynamic development, social and economic progress, ongoing process of building a contemporary society, active diplomacy of the country and the growing strength of our state in the international arena, social and political stability, social wellbeing, national unity and solidarity. 

The development of remarkable achievements reached in all areas of the public life in the previous years was continued. Azerbaijan strengthened its status as a political, economic and humanitarian hub of the South Caucasus region and started playing a more active role in the processes of tackling global challenges and making decisions that regulate the system of international relations. The well-thought-out and deliberate policy of President Ilham Aliyev, his eventful and goal-oriented activity served to the strengthening of the nationhood of Azerbaijan, observing national interests and achieving aspirations and dreams of our people.