Nuclear terrorism is one of the major problems to global security. Aiming at the prevention of nuclear terrorism, a serious danger to international community, the Nuclear Security Summit is the meeting of heads of state and government from more than 50 countries and heads of international organizations. The first summit was held in Washington in April 2010 at the initiative of the US President Barack Obama. The 3rd Nuclear Security Summit took place in The Hague on March 24 out of necessity for international cooperation towards the security of the world states. The Summit discusses the key issues of nuclear security, including reducing the number of dangerous nuclear materials in the world, strengthening the security of radioactive sources, international security in this sphere and other problems.  

Participation of President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the main state in South Caucasus, in this summit shows the international influence of our country. Addressing the Summit, President Aliyev once again managed to demonstrate the humanist and peace-loving policy of his state. Our republic actively cooperates with international union in a number of aspects of nuclear security. In its 2-year (2011-2013) action as a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council, Azerbaijan kept this issue in the focus of attention, organized discussions. As 20% of Azerbaijan’s lands are under occupation, its territory is used as a transit route in illegal traffic of nuclear materials. Also, Armenia’s burying radioactive wastes in our occupied lands poisons those territories. Danger caused by the old nuclear power plant of Armenia built 40 years ago in the high seismic zone was also highlighted by the President. Not shutting down the operation of this nuclear power plant, a huge danger to the region, Armenia ignores its international obligations.    

Holding bilateral meetings in the framework of the Summit, President Ilham Aliyev exchanged views on the development of bilateral relations as well. Active participation of Azerbaijan in the Summit was highly assessed by distinguished guests of the event, the contribution of Azerbaijan to the global nuclear security under leadership of President Ilham Aliyev was appreciated by the international community.

Naila Mammadova, 
Activist, "Azerbaijan Realities" group.