Sadyr Japarov

President of the Kyrgyz Republic

Regardless of whatever position Heydar Aliyev held, either being the first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the republic or being in his small homeland — Nakhchivan — Heydar Aliev was an outstanding representative of his era, a thoughtful thinker, creator, a man with a big heart. As a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, working as the First Deputy Premier of the Soviet Union, Heydar Aliyev headed the most important areas of the economic, social, and cultural life of the USSR. His rich political and government experience, firmness and adherence to principles in defending the interests of the people, wisdom, and high human qualities rightfully won respect far beyond the borders of Azerbaijan.