First of all, I want to express sincere and deep condolences to the entire Azerbaijani people and the family of Heydar Aliyev for this heavy, irreparable loss. I consider this to be a great loss for Ukraine and our people because this great son of Azerbaijan was a sincere friend of Ukrainians.

I met Heydar Aliyev in 1995 in Paris. Heydar Aliyev arrived there from London to participate in the celebrations on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of victory in the Second World War. I had the honor of being introduced to him at the Gare du Nord in Paris. Heydar Aliyev was a pillar of stability not only in the South Caucasus, but throughout the entire Caspian region. I always believed that Heydar Aliyev was not only a good politician, but also a skilled diplomat. I am proud that in the near future a monument to this great son of the Azerbaijani people will be erected in Kyiv.

I would like to wish President Ilham Aliyev to successfully continue Heydar Aliyev’s line in these difficult international circumstances. I am sure that Ilham Aliyev will lead the country forward through democracy and progress.