Dr. Idris and President of Azerbaijan Discuss Importance of IP
Geneva, March 7, 2006
Press Updates UPD/2006/268
The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, met with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan on March 3, 2006 to discuss a number of bilateral issues and the importance of intellectual property as a strategic tool for development and wealth creation. The meeting took place following talks with the Cabinet of Ministers and the signing of a cooperation program between WIPO and the Government of Azerbaijan. Dr. Idris was also awarded an honorary degree of Doctor Honoris Causa by the University of Azerbaijan during his official visit to Baku.
Dr. Idris pledged WIPO's continued support of Azerbaijan in upgrading and modernizing its intellectual property infrastructure and applauded Azerbaijan's commitment to the promotion and protection of intellectual property rights. President Aliyev highlighted the significance of the cooperation program which he said is a very important step forward in light of his country's shift towards a market economy. Dr. Idris said the program will be implemented in a way that "serves the interests of the country, its people and government."
During talks with the President, particular emphasis was placed on the development of human resources in Azerbaijan to ensure that the country was in a position to fully harness the value to be derived from efficient use of the intellectual property system. The importance of raising public awareness about the importance of intellectual property to development was also underlined.
The Director General also met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Mr. Elmar Maharram Oglu Mammadyarov, and with the President of the Heydar Aliyev Fund, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, who was awarded the WIPO Creativity Award for her contribution to the preservation and development of the national cultural heritage of Azerbaijan.
Dr. Idris also met with scientists and artists to discuss the importance of promoting awareness of intellectual property and its potential as a tool for development.
For further information, please contact the Media Relations and Public Affairs Section at WIPO:
- Tel: (+41 22) 338 81 61 or (+41 22) 338 95 47;
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- Fax: (+41 22) 338 82 80.