I have known Heydar Aliyev for a long time, and very well. I met with him in Baku often, and this person is very dear to me personally, he played a big role in my life and the life of my family. Due to his special standpoint, Heydar Aliyev was distinctive in every way among many during the Soviet Union, even after the collapse of this great country. I went to Nakhchivan to see him. We all supported Heydar Aliyev in those difficult times.

There is no doubt that the name of Heydar Aliyev will be inscribed in golden letters in the history of your country. Thanks to his direct support, much have been done to establish and develop new relations between Russia and Azerbaijan, between the Moscow region and your country. The blessing memory of the glorious son of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Alirza oglu Aliyev will live forever in our hearts.

I’m glad to meet such a person in my life. We had a lot in common, and I can say that he was an older brother, father, and friend for me. I cannot find words to express my feelings, we are all very disheartened, his death is an irreparable loss. Heydar Aliyev is a great personality not only for his country but also for me personally.