Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva lit Novruz bonfire together with residents of Hasanriz village in Aghdara

On March 18, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva met with a group of residents who had relocated to Hasanriz village in the Aghdara district. They also reviewed the restoration work on private houses and infrastructure.

The head of state met with the residents and engaged in conversation with them.

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The head of state and the First Lady then lit the Novruz bonfire alongside the residents.

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President Ilham Aliyev: May you live here comfortably and happily. You endured pain for 30 years - both moral pain, which is the heaviest burden, and the hardships of being refugees and displaced persons. That word is now gradually disappearing from our vocabulary.

Resident: National Leader Heydar Aliyev once said that Azerbaijani society must be prepared to withstand any difficulties when necessary - precisely for the sake of independence, freedom, and a strong state. When we achieved Victory, we once again recognized the profound truth and immense value of his words. May his soul rest in peace.

President Ilham Aliyev: Yes, that is true. Had he not come to power at the request of the Azerbaijani people at that critical time, Azerbaijan could have faced complete devastation. In fact, the events leading up to 1993 were pushing the country in that direction - our lands were under occupation, internal strife was rampant, and civil war was unfolding. The National Leader put an end to all of that, and the establishment of a regular army is also credited to him.

As his followers, we have simply continued down his path - further strengthening our country, mobilizing all our resources, forging an iron fist, and crushing the enemy. And now, we are celebrating our holidays here. There can be no greater happiness than this. I congratulate you once again. Happy holidays!"

Residents: Thank you very much. Good luck, and happy holidays once again!

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The head of state and the First Lady then visited Flag Square in Hasanriz village, where the Azerbaijani tricolor flag flies atop a 17-meter-high flagpole. The square's location was carefully chosen to provide a picturesque view of Hasanriz village and the surrounding settlements.