Speech by Ilham Aliyev at the opening ceremony of monument to Chingiz Aitmatov in Baku

- Dear Sadyr Nurgozhoevich.

Dear guests, dear friends.

It is a significant day in the history of brotherly relations between Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan today. We are unveiling a monument to the great son of the Kyrgyz people, Chingiz Aitmatov. I am sure that it will serve as yet another symbol of our friendship, brotherhood and unity.

Chingiz Aitmatov was a world-renowned writer, a prominent son of the Kyrgyz people who, throughout his life, was a worthy representative of his nation both within the Soviet Union and on a global scale.

People in Azerbaijan loved his works and respected him as a person for his active civic position, national spirit and attachment to his roots. I remember that he visited Azerbaijan shortly before his passing and I had the opportunity to meet and had a lengthy conversation with him on many issues. On that day, I presented to him a high order of the Azerbaijani state, the “Dostlug” order, as a sign of respect and in recognition of his merits in strengthening our relations. He has always been on the side of justice. It is no coincidence that he earned tremendous respect both in the former USSR and globally not only as a writer, but also as a public figure. The memory of him, of course, lives in the hearts of the Kyrgyz people and all brotherly nations.

While on a state visit to Kyrgyzstan, I visited his grave and paid tribute of the Azerbaijani people to his memory.

It is significant that the monument is to be unveiled as part of the state visit of the President of Kyrgyzstan. Today, we held very fruitful and important negotiations on many issues, including humanitarian cooperation. As you may know, Baku is hosting the Days of Culture of Kyrgyzstan these days, and it is quite symbolic that it is within the framework of such official events and the state visit that we are participating in this ceremony today in one of the central streets of Baku, Azadlig Street.

I would like to congratulate the Azerbaijani and Kyrgyz peoples on this momentous occasion. The monument to Chingiz Aitmatov in Baku will symbolize our unity, our friendship and our brotherhood. And I would also like to note that I am sure that the entire Turkic world is proud of its worthy representative and the only thing we all regret about, of course, is that he passed away too early. And nothing foreshadowed that. As I have already mentioned, I met him in Baku shortly before his passing, just a few months before, and he was full of energy as always and looked healthy. He told me about his plans. It was 2008, but I remember it as if it were yesterday.

Once again, I congratulate all of us and greet you again – dear Mr. President, welcome. I am confident that the friendship and brotherhood between Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan, between our peoples will be eternal. Thank you.