On February 20, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Artur Rasi-zade and presented him with the “Heydar Aliyev” Order.

Addressing the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev said:

Dear Mr. Rasi-zade, I congratulate you on your upcoming jubilee and wish you robust health and a long life. You have made significant contributions to Azerbaijan’s development over many years, playing a key role in the country's economic progress while serving in various high-ranking positions during both the Soviet era and the years of independence.

National Leader Heydar Aliyev recognized your professionalism and knowledge early on, promoting you to key positions, including Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers. After his election as President of independent Azerbaijan, he appointed you as his assistant - one of his first appointments - and later entrusted you with an even higher position as Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Heydar Aliyev had a deep understanding of people, recognizing their expertise and integrity. He always held you in high regard, not only for your professionalism but also for your principled stance. Your commitment was evident in all matters - whether in driving Azerbaijan’s economic growth or addressing other national issues.

We worked together for 15 years, from 2003 to 2018 - a period of unprecedented economic growth for Azerbaijan. During that time, the country’s economy more than doubled, and major infrastructure projects were initiated or completed. Under your leadership, the Cabinet of Ministers effectively implemented presidential directives, laying the foundation for Azerbaijan’s sustainable economic development and reinforcing our independence.

Over those 15 years, we maintained close contacts, discussing and resolving critical issues, and we have remained in touch even after 2018. I am pleased to see you celebrating this milestone in excellent health, and it is always a pleasure to speak with you. Over the years, we have shared many conversations, addressing numerous matters.

Today, on the eve of your remarkable anniversary, I have invited you to present the highest award of the Azerbaijani state - the Heydar Aliyev Order. With the decree I signed today, you have been awarded our nation’s highest honor, a recognition you truly deserve. You were a loyal companion to Heydar Aliyev, standing by his side both in the Soviet era and during the most challenging periods of our independence. He valued this immensely, and I have always appreciated it as well. This award is a well-deserved recognition of your service. Allow me to present it to you."

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President Ilham Aliyev presented the “Heydar Aliyev” Order to Artur Rasi-zade.

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Expressing his gratitude to the head of state for this recognition of his work, Artur Rasi-zade stated that being awarded the order named after the National Leader Heydar Aliyev was the greatest honor for him. He emphasized his pride in having worked for many years alongside National Leader Heydar Aliyev and President Ilham Aliyev. Artur Rasi-zade noted that the President of Azerbaijan was the author of a historic achievement, putting an end to the 30-year occupation of Azerbaijani lands and ushering in a new era of life in those territories.