Official: Azerbaijan well prepared for opening of IAF Congress Baku to host 74th International Astronautical Congress

IAF Chief Revenue Officer Clay Mowry has said that Azerbaijan was well prepared for the opening of the Congress, adding that a number of countries are taking part in this congress for the first time.

Mowry made the remarks while addressing a meeting of ministers and members of parliament of the International Astronautical Congress (IAF), which was held in the Azerbaijani parliament in connection with the 74th International Astronautical Congress, to be held in Baku on October 2-6, Report informs.

Dominique Tilmans, IAF Special Advisor to the President of the International Astronautical Federation, said that space plays a key role in solving many important problems. Using the capabilities of this area for the benefit of humanity is extremely important in the modern period.

Noting that some time ago he participated in various projects in Baku, the special advisor expressed confidence in Azerbaijan’s successful holding of this important event.

“Space plays a key role in solving many important issues. At its core, this area ensures the diversity of countries around the world. Space also has a positive impact on the development of society. We must join forces in this direction,” said Tilmans.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) Committee on Economic Policy, Industry and Entrepreneurship Tahir Mirkishili emphasized that Azerbaijan attaches special importance to space research: “Now our country is hosting the largest space event - the 74th International Astronautical Congress in 2023. This means that the International Astronautical Congress is returning to our region after half a century. Both in content and in the number of participants, this congress is more representative than all previous ones. You made a very rational choice because Baku is the heart of this region.”

Azerbaijan is negotiating with many countries of the world on cooperation in the space sector. Azerbaijan, as one of the stable countries, is a supporter of peace and cooperation, Mirkishili added.

Speaking about the merits of the outstanding Azerbaijani scientist Nasreddin Tusi in the field of astronautics, the chairman of the committee expressed confidence that the event will contribute to the development of the space sector.

Addressing the event, Secretary General of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) Sultan Raev said that all countries of the world should use space opportunities equally.

Stressing the importance of using the capabilities of outer space to improve people's well-being and solve certain problems, Raev said that this area can contribute to the development of agriculture and the use of natural resources.

He noted the importance of this area, in particular for developing countries.

“The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) attaches great importance to joint cooperation in the space field between member countries. I believe that this is important for solving multifaceted problems,” said the Secretary General of TURKPA.

Sultan Raev also noted that TURKPA will make every effort to support in this direction.

On October 1, the 13th International Meeting of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) for Ministers and Parliamentarians (MMOP) kicked off.

The Azerbaijani parliament is holding an event on the topic “The importance of including space solutions in the political agenda for politicians.” The meeting is attended by the President of the International Astronautical Federation Clay Mowry and other persons.

Participants of the event will hold discussions on 3 panel topics. The first panel is titled “Space Solutions for Improving Public Services,” the second panel is “Space Solutions for Disasters and Risks,” and the third panel is “Space Solutions for Resource Management.”

It should be noted that the International Congress of the International Astronautical Federation for Ministers and Parliamentarians (MMOP) has been organized since 2009.

The 13th meeting is being held on the eve of the 74th Baku International Astronautical Congress, which will be held in Azerbaijan from October 2 to 6.

The capital Baku received the right to host this prestigious event, which has been held since October 1950, during the elections to the General Assembly of the International Astronautical Federation in October 2019 in the US capital Washington.

Azerbaijan first hosted this event in 1973 under the leadership of national leader Heydar Aliyev.

Elon Musk will speak at the 74th International Astronautical Congress in Baku, former President of the International Astronautical Federation Jean-Yves Le Gallou said while addressing the event for ministers and parliamentarians in the Azerbaijani parliament.

According to him, the speech will be held online and will be broadcast live.