This outstanding personality led Azerbaijan to prosperity. During our various meetings, especially when discussing the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, I highly appreciated his courage, wisdom, and determination in resolving the conflict peacefully. I wish that, with the support of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs, his efforts will continue and be successful.

I value Azerbaijan’s rightful place in the family of European countries as a perfect result of the visionary and wise policy of Heydar Aliyev, a famous statesman with great experience. Admission of Azerbaijan to the Council of Europe, protection of human rights, strengthening of democracy, and continuous development in this country are the result of Heydar Aliyev’s policy.

Azerbaijan is lucky to have such a wise, far-sighted, and influential statesman like Heydar Aliyev, who has strong political will and broad experience in statehood.

It is a great pleasure for me to receive President Heydar Aliyev in Paris. It’s been a long time since we have developed more than mutual friendship relations. I deeply respect President Heydar Aliyev.

Today, September 18, 2002, the OSCE will announce the laying of the foundation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline and the beginning of the Phase-2 stage of the field exploitation.

This event is the result of President Heydar Aliyev’s efforts over many years, and France has fully supported it from the first day.

Today’s ceremony once again confirms the rightfulness of the development strategy of Azerbaijan, which has embarked on the path of attracting foreign investment.