Baku: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev addressed the participants of the 6th plenary meeting of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (the GlobE Network) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev read out the text of the address during the event.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev’s address emphasized Azerbaijan’s commitment to combating corruption at both national and international levels. He highlighted the significance of Azerbaijan hosting the event as an indicator of its growing authority within the international community. The meeting gathered professionals from various legal systems worldwide, reinforcing a shared determination in the fight against corruption.

President Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan has established a robust legal and institutional framework to combat corruption, notably through the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Main Anti-Corruption Directorate under the Prosecutor General’s Office. These institutions have played a pivotal role in enhancing transparency and accountability through digital transformation, open government principles, and international cooperation.

The address also touched upon the historical context of Azerbaijan’s conflict with Armenia, detailing the illegal exploitation of natural resources and widespread corruption during the occupation of Azerbaijani territories. President Aliyev noted the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity following the Patriotic War in 2020 and subsequent anti-terrorist measures in 2023. He emphasized the state’s commitment to transforming the liberated areas into spaces of progress and peace.

Furthermore, President Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s active role in addressing global challenges, such as hosting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. This event demonstrated Azerbaijan’s solidarity in tackling climate challenges and commitment to multilateral diplomacy.

The address concluded with President Aliyev expressing confidence that the plenary meeting would foster new opportunities for international cooperation against corruption, contributing significantly to achieving the objectives set in this area.