Speech by Ilham Aliyev at the 3rd Meeting of the Interstate Council of Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan in Cholpon-Ata

- Dear Sadyr Nurgozhoevich.

Dear friends.

First of all, I would like to express my gratitude for the invitation to pay a state visit to brotherly Kyrgyzstan, and for the hospitality extended to me and the members of our delegation. This is not my first visit to this beautiful country, but I can say from personal experience that I am deeply impressed by the development taking place under your leadership, not only in this part of the country but throughout Kyrgyzstan. Above all, I would like to congratulate you and the brotherly people of Kyrgyzstan on your remarkable achievements in socio-economic development, strengthening the country's economic potential, and enhancing its role in international affairs.

As your friends and brothers, we always rejoice in your achievements. The results of your work are clearly reflected in the development of the construction and financial sectors, as well as in the growth of the state budget, which creates greater opportunities to enhance the prosperity of your people and your country. This fills us with genuine joy because we are friends and brothers, our peoples share common roots, and we regard the successes of brotherly Kyrgyzstan as our own.

I would also like to express my gratitude for your support in the reconstruction of Garabagh. The school that you and I jointly inaugurated in the Aghdam district bears the name of Manas, and children are already studying there. This school is yet another symbol of our brotherhood and will forever stand as a monument to the unity of our peoples. It is appreciated not only by the people of Garabagh but by all the people of Azerbaijan.

I am also pleased to see how successfully our humanitarian cooperation is developing. The Days of Kyrgyz Culture in Azerbaijan and the Days of Azerbaijan in Kyrgyzstan, held recently, have once again demonstrated the richness of our cultures and the importance of such events in more fully showcasing the creative potential of our peoples.

You mentioned cooperation across various spheres. I am, of course, confident that all the goals we have set in every area will be achieved. I am pleased that the Kyrgyzstan–Azerbaijan Development Fund is operating successfully. We have decided to increase its capital, and several projects are already under implementation. I am confident that, as the Fund continues to expand its activities, the number of projects will steadily grow. This will undoubtedly serve our shared objectives.

I am also delighted that Azerbaijan has contributed to the development of infrastructure and tourism in Issyk-Kul. Today, together with our colleagues, we will inaugurate the five-star Baku Hotel. This is another demonstration of our friendly, brotherly relations, as well as Azerbaijan's modest contribution to the development of Issyk-Kul's tourism potential. What I saw yesterday during our drive from the airport was truly impressive: both the construction and the infrastructure projects.

Yesterday, we also visited together the newly established golf facilities. They are of international standard. I would like to congratulate you on this remarkable achievement. In everything, one can feel your personal dedication to your people and your country, as well as your determination to accelerate their development. And you are succeeding. We are sincerely pleased by your achievements. As you have already noted, we are elevating our relations to the level of an alliance. This is the highest level of interstate interaction, fully reflecting both the nature and the spirit of our relationship.

Once again, I thank you for the hospitality, and I am confident that the results of my state visit will help further strengthen our brotherly ties. Thank you.