Ilham Aliyev attended the ceremonial reception held in connection with the 87th birthday of national leader Heydar Aliyev and the 6th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev Foundation

A ceremonial reception was organized at “Buta” Palace to mark the 87th birthday anniversary of national leader Heydar Aliyev and the 6th anniversary of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva attended the ceremony.

At the ceremony attended by state and government officials and foreign guests, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, goodwill ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO, MP Mehriban Aliyeva delivered a speech, in which she underslined that Heydar Aliyev had devoted his life to Azerbaijan’s development.

The guests watched a video dedicated to national leader Heydar Aliyev.

President Ilham Aliyev also delivered a speech at the event.

The President stated that Heydar Aliyev had always served the Azerbaijani people with loyalty and dignity.

“People of Azerbaijan had always demonstrated great love and trust toward Heydar Aliyev,” – said President Ilham Aliyev. “Our national leader was always sensitive to problems of the country and the elimination of most of the problems we faced at the time was thanks to Heydar Aliyev’s service. As a result of his intense activities, Azerbaijan managed to shatter the “risky country” image, embarked on large-scale projects, and developed in every field.”

Stressing that the years of 1993-2003 were decisive for Azerbaijan’s future and the works carried out during those 10 years were tantamount to the achievements of centuries, President Ilham Aliyev also added that the independent Azerbaijan of today, founded by the national leader, exists, develops, and opens opportunities for its people. “Our country follows Heydar Aliyev’s path and the ideological principles of the national leader is well established within the country.”

Having touched upon the rapid development of Azerbaijan, the President also expressed assurance that such successful dynamics would continue in the years to come. “Heydar Aliyev laid the foundation for all this. We are loyal to our national leader,” – said President Ilham Aliyev, adding that Heydar Aliyev’s policies would be eternal in Azerbaijan.

A film, featuring activities of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, was also displayed at the event.

Following the film, the “Gizil Chinar” (Golden Plane Tree) international award, instituted by Heydar Aliyev Foundation in 2009, was presented to the winners.

The awarding ceremony was followed by a concert of the Hajibeyov Azerbaijani State Symphony Orchestra.