Dear conference participants! I sincerely welcome you, the participants of a special conference of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) on the topic of “Security and cooperation: the role of political parties”, and wish the conference success.As an authoritative international organization that unites more than 370 political parties in the Asian region, ICAPP is an important platform for the discussion of topical regional and global issues at the level of leading political parties of states and for the exchange of views and experience. The scope of the discussion environment created by ICAPP is not limited to Asia alone, as representatives of political parties from Africa, Europe and Latin America also participate in its events on a regular basis.In the current period of the emergence of a new world order accompanied by serious upheavals in the system of international relations, it has become necessary for political parties and international organizations at various levels to reassess their positions and opportunities to influence events.Among the modern global challenges faced by states, the problems of peace and security are among the most pressing issues affecting all areas of international relations and their participants. This is a sensitive and priority issue for Azerbaijan, which, having liberated its territories from occupation as a result of the Second Karabakh War in 2020 and put an end to years of military aggression, has implemented the requirements of four UN Security Council resolutions that had remained on paper for about 30 years. It is also a priority issue for the entire South Caucasus region.Historical experience shows that conflicts cannot last forever. Ensuring peace and security between Azerbaijan and Armenia on the basis of international law and the principle of justice is a requirement of the era and time. From this point of view, the exchange of knowledge and experience, the expansion of opportunities for cooperation between political parties in order to promote international peace and security are commendable.The organization of this event at the same time with the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the New Azerbaijan Party is a significant indicator of the importance that the YAP, celebrating its anniversary together with friendly political parties, attaches to international cooperation and foreign partners.I do hope that useful and productive discussions will take place on the sidelines of this conference, being held by the New Azerbaijan Party, and effective directions will be determined in the field of increasing the activity of political parties to promote peace and security in the region, as well as in the world.I wish each of you success in your activities in the interests of this objective.   Ilham AliyevPresident of the Republic of AzerbaijanBaku, 22 November 2022