By Sara Rajabova

Azerbaijani Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Fakhraddin Gurbanov informed the British community about the development strategy of Azerbaijan in the near future, the Azerbaijani embassy in London reported.

Gurbanov in his interview to the London Post website, said close observation of Azerbaijan's recent achievements demonstrate that country will strengthen participation in both regional and international organizations and country's achievements in the fields of economy, diplomacy, tourism and etc. will further increase.

He said Azerbaijan's successful work as a non-permanent membership at the UN Security Council, its taking over the chairmanship of the Council of Ministers of the Council of Europe from the next month, country's hosting the first European Games, which will be held in 2015 and several international cultural, sporting events and inter-cultural forums indicates that Azerbaijan has become a reliable and trustworthy member of the international system.

Gurbanov also noted that has demonstrated a successful model of harmonious and peaceful co-existence of various faith groups and communities. He further spoke about the country's efforts in strengthening inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue in international arena.

Speaking about Azerbaijan's role in the region, Gurbanov highlighted country's neighbourhood policy and noted its close cooperation in energy, trade and the other fields.

Gurbanov stressed that the realization of several important projects on the intiative and with the support of Azerbaijan led the regional cooperation and integration to a new phase.

Touching upon the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, ambassador said the continuing occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia remains as an obstacle for deepening regional cooperation and integration.

Gurbanov said Armenia refuses to abide by the UN Security Council Resolutions as well as decisions by other regional organizations such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Council of Europe, all calling for the immediate and full withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan.

He went on to say that the lack of political will and destructive approach in the negotiations process on the part of Armenia has stalled the mediation efforts held under the auspices of the OSCE's Minsk Group since 1994.

Gurbanov called on the international community to build up pressure on Armenia to end the stalemate over the conflict and pave the way for a peaceful solution.

He further spoke about the implementation of technological innovations in the educational system of Azerbaijan, youth policy and the measures carried out in development of human resources in the country.

Gurbanov said in 2006 Azerbaijan initiated a landmark education program aiming to educate young talented Azerbaijani students in foreign universities abroad and

He also noted thatAzerbaijan is the biggest investor in education in South Caucasus and that includes the application of ICT in education infrastructure with a view to creating information-based society.

Gurbanov said the fact that some 30% of the total population of Azerbaijan is considered young requires the government to adopt youth-friendly state policies.

He further said Azerbaijan promotes the realization of the potential of young people through participation in civil society organizations and NGOs and also closely focus on promotion of young people to the government posts.

Gurbanov added that the government acknowledges the increasing role and influence of the Internet and social media platforms in the lives of young people and takes measures to ensure the Internet is accessible even in remote areas of the country.