President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev addressed the participants of the third high-level meeting of the heads of anti-corruption bodies of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states in Baku.
elchi reports that the address was delivered by Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev.
The address states:
“I welcome you to the third high-level meeting of the heads of anti-corruption bodies of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states held in Baku.
Azerbaijan attaches special importance to the development of cooperation within the OIC, the strengthening of solidarity and mutual support, and constantly strives in this direction.
Corruption is a crime that undermines public trust in state institutions, harms social justice, healthy competition, and economic development. In some cases, the cross-border nature of such crimes necessitates appropriate measures to be taken at both national and international levels. In this regard, the “Mecca Al-Mukarramah Convention on Law Enforcement Cooperation against Corruption among OIC Member States” is a strategic document that forms a unified legal platform in this area. Azerbaijan’s accession to this Convention is of great importance for the development of international cooperation.
Consistent measures are being taken in Azerbaijan to combat corruption. The improvement of legislation, increasing transparency and accountability in public administration, ensuring the digitalization and accessibility of public services, and strengthening public oversight play an important role in preventing corruption.
During the nearly 30-year occupation of our lands, the illegal exploitation of our natural resources, including mineral deposits, with the participation of foreign entities, has caused severe damage to the region’s ecology. Large amounts of income generated from these crimes have been legalized through international financial channels.
Digital development, especially the rapid spread of artificial intelligence, while expanding the possibilities for combating corruption, also creates conditions for new manifestations of corruption and the misuse of digital financial instruments. The effective use of the potential of modern technological solutions by relevant law enforcement agencies is of particular importance in preventing and effectively investigating such crimes.
I am confident that the discussions to be held in Baku and the proposals to be put forward will further strengthen cooperation in combating corruption among OIC member states, enhance trust, and serve the sustainable development of our countries.
I wish success to the work of the meeting.”