On December 12, 2024 21 years have passed since the death of Heydar Aliyev, architect of the statehood of the modern Republic of Azerbaijan and one of the great statesmen in recent political history. Serving for many years as the leader of Azerbaijan, this visionary politician left a great mark in the history of his nation. The revival and rise of Azerbaijan during the restoration of national independence are closely associated with his name.
Because of his extraordinary legacy, Heydar Aliyev is revered as a national leader of Azerbaijanis. Under the skillful leadership of Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan is making significant progress, gaining importance on a regional and global scale.
In the early 1990s, Azerbaijan faced serious threats to its independence, facing foreign aggression that culminated in military occupation of its internationally recognized territories and led to internal instability. Heydar Aliyev's leadership return and his decisive actions to preserve the sovereignty and independence of Azerbaijan lay a solid foundation for the further development and strengthening of the country.
With his deep experience in public administration, Heydar Aliyev initiated large-scale reforms and developed a comprehensive development strategy that transformed Azerbaijan into a dynamic and prosperous country. His forward-thinking energy strategy ensures that Azerbaijan's natural resources serve its own people while fostering mutually beneficial partnerships with other nations. As a result, Azerbaijan has become a successful country, a key pan-European energy supplier and a reliable partner in Europe's energy diversification efforts.
The state policy set by Heydar Aliyev strengthened Azerbaijan's political, economic and defense capabilities, ensuring internal stability and winning the country strategic international partners, including Bulgaria.
Heydar Aliyev always treated Bulgaria with respect. During his official visit to Bulgaria in June 1995. he emphasizes that “the Azerbaijani people have great respect for the Bulgarian people, for the Bulgarian land, for the outstanding achievements of the Bulgarian people throughout its centuries-old history, as well as for the democratic changes that have taken place in Bulgaria in recent years”. Today, the far-sighted and wise political course of Heydar Aliyev continues successfully in the interest of Azerbaijan and its partners, and Bulgaria stands out as a strategic partner and true friend.