BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 28. President of the
Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev addressed the participants of
the Third Ministerial Meeting of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement
Authorities of the Member States of the Organisation of Islamic
Cooperation.


The text of the address was published on the official website of
the President of Azerbaijan.


"Dear meeting participants,


I extend my greetings to you on the occasion of the Third
Ministerial Meeting of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities
of the Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation,
being held in Baku.


Azerbaijan attaches particular importance to developing
cooperation, strengthening solidarity and promoting mutual support
within the framework of the OIC, and consistently works towards
achieving these goals.


Corruption is a crime that undermines public trust in state
institutions and damages social justice, fair competition and
economic development. In some cases, the transnational nature of
such crimes necessitates measures at both national and
international levels. In this regard, the Makkah Al-Mukarramah
Convention of the Member States of the OIC on Anti-Corruption Law
Enforcement Cooperation is a strategic document that establishes a
common legal framework in this field. Azerbaijan’s accession to
this Convention is of great importance for strengthening
international cooperation.


Azerbaijan is consistently implementing measures to combat
corruption. Modernizing legislation, increasing transparency and
accountability in public administration, ensuring the
digitalization and accessibility of public services, and
strengthening public oversight all play an important role in
preventing corruption.


During the nearly 30-year occupation of our territories, the
illegal exploitation of our natural resources, including mineral
deposits, involving foreign entities caused severe environmental
damage to the region. Substantial proceeds derived from these
crimes were laundered through international financial channels.


Digital development, particularly the rapid spread of artificial
intelligence, expands opportunities to combat corruption while also
creating conditions for new forms of corruption and the misuse of
digital financial instruments. The effective use of modern
technological solutions by relevant law enforcement agencies is
particularly important for preventing and efficiently investigating
such crimes.


I am confident that the discussions and proposals put forward in
Baku will help further strengthen cooperation among OIC member
states in combating corruption, build mutual trust and contribute
to the sustainable development of our countries.


I wish the meeting every success," the address reads.