It was the talent, personal qualities, and will of Heydar Aliyev as a politician and statesman that allowed the current generation to overcome challenges, strengthen the statehood of Azerbaijan, and acquire high international recognition.

Mr. President, you are the leader of Azerbaijan, a country with which Russia is connected by a whole cycle of friendship and cooperation in various fields. Many dramatic moments in the recent history of relations between our states could not harm the friendship of our countries, and this is your merit as a well-known leader of the Azerbaijani people.