I always remember the past years, our meetings and joint work with Mrs. Zarifa, with delight and at the same time with grief. Ms. Zarifa was an outstanding woman and an exceptional, serious scientist who contributed to the science of Azerbaijan. I am very proud that we worked together on the same problems and wrote two books together. Ms. Zarifa was rightfully awarded the title of Academician of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.

I cannot but mention our sincere friendship with the greatest son of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Alirza oglu. Heydar Aliyev was an amazing personality. First of all, I would like to note his intelligence and erudition. He had knowledge of a variety of fields – art and many areas of different sciences. Therefore, it was always interesting to communicate with him. Finally, He was a tireless man.

One summer my wife and I were vacationing in Zagulba. The weather was hot as blazes. On television, we saw Heydar Alirza oglu visiting rural areas every day, touring livestock farms and other agricultural facilities. It was like this every day, he traveled from one area to another… He was really very busy and did not get tired at all. Therefore, it is not surprising that Azerbaijan has always been among the first.

I cannot go without mentioning the endless love between Heydar Alirza oglu and Mrs. Zarifa. It is difficult for me to put into words the sublime love between them. The death of this beautiful woman became a real tragedy for Heydar Alirza oglu. This made us very sad.

I am very glad that Ilham Aliyev has been elected President of Azerbaijan. Ilham Aliyev is a very smart and diligent politician, and I am sure that he will continue the work started by his father.

We love Azerbaijan very much and hope to go there again. We wish Azerbaijan progress, peace, stability and constant economic development.