Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of a new section of the Seaside National Park

President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva have attended the opening of a newly-built section of the Seaside National Park.

The head of state cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the new section of the Seaside National Park.

The President and his wife toured the new section of the boulevard in an electric automobile and reviewed the conditions here.

One of the priceless gems of Baku, the Seaside National Park, is a fine example of Azerbaijan’s material culture. It is also a special natural complex that forms the historical and modern appearance of the capital. The rapid socioeconomic development of the country under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev in recent years has significantly changed Baku, turning it into a metropolis. The changes have not bypassed the Seashore National Park. The urban planning, recreation and tourism infrastructure coupled with the environmental safety of the beautiful capital have enhanced the opportunities for implementing the Seaside National Park development strategy.

In accordance with the President’s instructions on extending the Seaside National Park to the State Flag Square, a new 1.8-km boulevard covering an area of 20 hectares has been built, imparting special beauty to the coastal part of the city.

This is an important part of the package of measures taken by President Ilham Aliyev to create a modern image of Azerbaijan. Thanks to the creative and landscaping work, the appearance of Baku has gradually changed, consolidating its place among the most beautiful cities of the world.

President Ilham Aliyev has been keeping the project in focus. The project provides for the reconstruction of the Seaside National Park from Azneft Square to the State Flag Square.

By visiting the area on a regular basis, the President gave instructions and recommendations on completing the work with high quality. As part of the landscaping work ongoing in the capital, the old factories that did not meet the requirements of a growing city and, most importantly, undermined the environmental balance were moved to other places. Thus, all the obstacles to creating a new boulevard were removed.

It was indicated that as a result of the reconstruction and landscaping work carried out in three shifts, another lane stretching from the green area to the road has been built. It is intended for automobiles, mini-trains and small sightseeing buses circulating within the boulevard. A special lane for cyclists has also been built. Both shade creating trees and unique shrubs have been planted in the new section of the boulevard and a modern lighting system installed.

There will also be leisure facilities and attractions here in the near future.

It was noted that the available 450-meter pier has been extended into the sea by another 100 meters. In the future, the length of the boulevard will be increased to 25 kilometers. Covering the beaches of Zykh and Shikhov, it will turn into a large recreation area. The boat taxis can take visitors from the boulevard to the islands in the Caspian Sea.

President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva also reviewed the pleasure boats intended for the residents and guests of Baku. It was noted that the expansion of the Seaside National Park was also intended to improve conditions for boat tours, for which three new boats have been brought to the capital.

The President also examined the pedestrian crossings built along the new boulevard.

On 27 April 2012, President Ilham Aliyev signed another decree on additional measures to expand the Seaside Boulevard.