I have long heard about Heydar Aliyev, who with his statesmanship and creative qualities played an important role in the leadership of the Soviet Union. After being appointed ambassador to Azerbaijan, a newly independent country going through a turbulent but historical period, I had an irresistible desire to meet this great personality. It was early 1993. I decided to visit Heydar Aliyev, who was removed from his position after Mikhail Gorbachev came to power and was living in Nakhchivan. Heydar Aliyev was elected to the Azerbaijani parliament from the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and was the Chairman of the Supreme Assembly of Nakhchivan since the autumn of 1991. Nakhchivan is a region with a contrasting climate. Unlike Baku, the temperature in winter sometimes can drop to minus 30 degrees. Despite the fact that it was the eve of the Novruz holiday, it was very cold. Since there was no other fuel, all the trees were cut down. There was almost no electricity. Nakhchivan, located on the border of Armenia and Iran, was suffering complete isolation from Azerbaijan as a result of the conflict with Armenia. I was aware of the difficult conditions endured by the population, and with the help of our humanitarian organization, I managed to deliver 40 tons of food there by plane, since the cargo had to be delivered before the Novruz holiday. At a time when regular flights were suspended, our plane landed despite the snowstorm. Such a feat could only be accomplished by competent and experienced pilots. In such circumstances, we met with Heydar Aliyev, accompanied by my wife. I was the first ambassador to take such a step. This man, who impressed us with his charisma, greeted the guests with a warmth that contrasted with the cold of the unheated room. The Chairman of the Supreme Council openly expressed his opinion on political figures and other topics. The subsequent course of events confirmed the correctness of his ideas. When parting with Heydar Aliyev, we expressed our wish to see him again in Baku soon, and soon this wish came true.

This trip to Nakhchivan left an eternal trace in our memory. Since then, we have established a strong relationship.

Events developed rapidly. President Elchibey, who came to power a year ago after a coup d’état, summoned highly respected Heydar Aliyev to Baku in June 1993, at the insistence of the people to stop the unrest in the country. So our dream came true.

I have witnessed the positive changes taken place in Azerbaijan after Heydar Aliyev returned to power. Thanks to these changes, the unity and stability needed by Azerbaijan have been restored.

The current relations between our countries can be expressed in one, but a very characteristic word: “exploration”. At the moment, we are carefully studying each other, looking for ways to cooperate. I can say with confidence that this process is continuing very effectively. This process has especially accelerated after the visit of the President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev to France. After this visit, there has been a high level of activity in French business circles. Our entrepreneurs and businessmen are now showing great interest in Azerbaijan. This interest was awakened in them by President Heydar Aliyev, who has rich experience in governing.

Frankly speaking, Heydar Aliyev introduced Azerbaijan to France in the truest sense of the word. Before his visit to France, the pro-Armenian forces in our country were trying to achieve certain goals with their anti-Azerbaijani propaganda. True, it was ignored at the state level, but it seems that the matter is not limited at ignoring the issue. In fact, an ideological struggle was needed. The course of events was determined by the visit of His Excellency President Heydar Aliyev to France. His speeches and statements in our country made it possible to correctly assess the policy of Azerbaijan and the political situation in the region. Azerbaijan has become comprehensible and closer to France. Now the Armenian minority in France knows that the conflict is pointless, and the territorial change is impossible.

As a diplomat living in Azerbaijan for a long time, I am a witness of how your country is already embarking on the path of progress. This path, determined by President Heydar Aliyev, will lead Azerbaijan to a prosperous life. By the way, I want to make a comparison: the post-war revival of France and its progress is attributed to Charles de Gaulle. Azerbaijan pins great hopes on the personality of Heydar Aliyev. Those who call him the savior of the nation are not mistaken at all.

 History has always needed outstanding personalities. He is always in need of strong leaders. As well as all nations. The more difficult the situation in the country, the greater the need for strong personalities. Of course, accepting such personalities is also a complex process. Not everyone accepts them unambiguously. Sometimes it takes years for such individuals to be properly appreciated. If you remember, not everyone liked the activities of Charles de Gaulle. However, he managed to bring the country out of the crisis and gain a well-deserved reputation.

The current situation in Azerbaijan can be compared with those difficult days in France. There is nothing surprising in the fact that Heydar Aliyev was brought back to power by the people. He certainly has a strong personality. He is a statesman with rich experience, and a very smart politician, in a nutshell, he is capable to lead the country out of the crisis. I’m sure of it.