Agdash, May 1 (AZERTAC). On 1 May, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of the Heydar Aliyev Center in Agdash.

The head of state cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the Center.

Important activities are under way to perpetuate the memory of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev, who owns an invaluable contribution to the establishment of the Azerbaijani state on a solid foundation, comprehensive development of the republic and revitalization of all spheres of life in the country. Significant projects are being implemented to mark the 91st birthday anniversary of the world famous politician. The Heydar Aliyev centers being set up in the capital Baku and regions of Azerbaijan play an important part in studying the political heritage of the great personality.

One of such centers has been built in Agdash city. First of all, the establishment of the Center is evidence of the respect the people of Agdash have for the memory of the internationally renowned statesman. The Center is also expected to play a major part in studying and promoting the rich and diverse legacy of the great leader. The photos and exhibits displayed at the Center demonstrate again that the contribution of great leader Heydar Aliyev to Azerbaijan’s transformation from a country which was faced with a deep economic recession into a state that has embarked on a period of comprehensive development and reinforced its international reputation is truly invaluable.

President Ilham Aliyev was informed that the construction of the Center commenced in August 2012. The construction work has been carried out in accordance with the highest standards. The two-storey building covers an area of 5,800 square meters. A model of the office building is on display at the entrance to the Center. There is a bust of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev on the first floor. The documents related to the great leader’s life and activities are of particular interest. The photos of the great personality have been arranged in six sections. The photos document the attention the nationwide leader paid to the development of Agdash both during his leadership of Azerbaijan in the Soviet period and in the years of independence. The great leader’s participation in various facilities in the district and numerous meetings with representatives of the district public, intellectuals and veteran workers are deeply embedded in people’s memories. The center operates a course on foreign languages, a photo and video studio, an information technology center, a club of folk musical instruments, a dance studio, an internet club, a café, a 3D cinema, etc.

The Center, which also has photo stands describing President Ilham Aliyev’s visits to Agdash in different years, has the capacity to conduct high-level public and political activities and functions. The small and large conference rooms of the Center are intended for public, political and cultural activities, including lessons on promoting the rich heritage of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev. Interesting paintings are displayed in the open exhibition hall. There is a painting and sculpture studio, a craftsmanship workshop, design and computer courses and an electronic library here. Different games will be available at the room of intellectual games.

Considering the fact that marriage ceremonies have been held at Heydar Aliyev centers throughout the republic in recent years, a civil registry office has been set up at the Agdash Heydar Aliyev Center.

After reviewing the Center, President Ilham Aliyev met with representatives of the local public.

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Saluting the ceremony participants, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said:

- Good morning.

My cordial greetings to all of you! Today we are meeting in Agdash District again. I have repeatedly visited Agdash District before. This time I am also getting familiar with the work carried out here. First of all, we are celebrating the opening of the Heydar Aliyev Center today. It is a great event. It is a magnificent centre. It pleases the eye both in terms of architecture and in terms of interior design. This beautiful center is an architectural monument. At the same time, the studios and clubs available at the center will certainly enhance its functional importance.

The opening of such centers in the regions is a testament to the respect of the Azerbaijani people for the great leader. At the same time, these centers conduct exhibitions describing the path traversed by Heydar Aliyev, reflecting his contribution to the strengthening of Azerbaijan’s independence and the modern history of our country. The documents, photos and exhibitions at these centers reflect our recent history.

These centers also have a large spiritual function to play. When Azerbaijan regained its independence, as you know, it was in a very difficult situation. We were practically losing our independence, there was chaos and anarchy, the civil war had begun.

Thanks to the great leader’s ascent to power on the demand of the Azerbaijani people, these negative phenomena were stopped and Azerbaijan embarked on the path of development. Thus, since 1993 to the present day, our country has been going through a period of stability and development. Stability is the main prerequisite for the development of any country. The successful development of Azerbaijan today is the result of the stability achieved.

We are committed to the policy of the great leader. Azerbaijan follows the path laid down by him and is doing so successfully. The development of the past 20 years shows that it is the right path. It can’t be otherwise. Today Azerbaijan is known worldwide as a very reliable country and partner. Our international credibility is growing. The foundation of our foreign policy was also laid by Heydar Aliyev. This policy is based on independence. Today, as our economic opportunities expand, we can speak openly on any subject in the world, in the international arena. We have a principled position on each issue, and this position is based on justice.

Today Azerbaijan is already playing a role in international events. Azerbaijan has become a center not only in regional terms but also globally. International events are held in Azerbaijan almost every week. Azerbaijan is visited by hundreds and thousands of high-ranking guests. And I know that all visitors go back to their homeland with great impressions because the development and improvement available here today are rarely found elsewhere in the world.

All this has been created by us, by the Azerbaijani people. We are following in the footsteps of the great leader. All of these achievements have been made thanks to the hard work and talent of the Azerbaijani people. And we build on these achievements every year. Of course, the reforms carried out in the economic sphere have multiplied our strength. Otherwise, we would depend on others. We would have to rely on foreign financial institutions for loans.

Today Azerbaijan provides loans to other countries itself. Azerbaijan invests abroad itself. The financial and economic crisis that still goes on in the world today greatly increases the importance of such countries as Azerbaijan because our economic policy is based on national interests. It is a sound policy. Reforms are carried out and work is done to improve people’s well-being. In other words, Azerbaijan is strengthening its economic power today. It is no coincidence that Azerbaijan is recognized as a country that has developed most rapidly in the world over the last 10 years. Economic development has a positive impact on all spheres.

This year we also adopted the third program on regional development. The first program was adopted in 2004 and the second in 2009. This is the third program. This program is very precise and detailed. It reflects all the issues. The program also provides for the development of each district. Once the problems of each district are resolved, no village of our country will have any outstanding problems.

Earlier, as a result of the first two programs, a great deal was done in Agdash District. Here is the local Olympic Sports Center, a large hospital - we opened all of these social facilities together, and they are serving the people. The creation of the social infrastructure and the construction of schools are still under way in the district. I know that there are still schools that are in disrepair, but they will be repaired gradually. Thus, as a result of the third program there should not remain any problems related to social infrastructure and to infrastructure projects in general by 2018.

Infrastructure projects are implemented and gasification carried out in Agdash. Most of the villages have been gasified. In the coming years gasification in Agdash should reach 100 per cent. Natural gas should be available in every settlement. Old pipes will be replaced in the city, and thus the gas infrastructure should be at the highest level. Drinking water projects are implemented. I am confident that this issue will also be fully resolved in the near future. Rural roads are built. Today we will mark the opening of a rural road connecting several villages.

In other words, all conditions are being put in place for people to lead normal lives. The city is also getting prettier and landscaped. This is a new part of the city, a new development area. I remember the Olympic Center being built here first. It was followed by the construction of a hospital and then a square. Now we are opening the Heydar Aliyev Center, the office buildings of the executive authority and the New Azerbaijan Party. So this place has turned into the city center. There is a traditional center of Agdash, which is also being landscaped. And this is a new center. Look with how much care and taste all of the work has been done, trees planted and lawns laid. These buildings are also an example of architecture.

Today, Azerbaijan is at a level when each district center and each city should keep pace with leading cities in the world, because Azerbaijani citizens deserve a better life. We, the government, should create these conditions for you.

Today there are also plans to open several industrial enterprises. This year, as you know, has been declared the "Year of Industry". Our future economic development is associated with industry. It is linked to the non-oil industry, so that we could further develop this sphere. Agriculture, processing industry - all of this contributes to the creation of jobs, increases our national income. In general, this is necessary for the development of our country.

All the spheres are in the spotlight. And this is the way it should and will be. I am sure that even more beautiful things will be done in Agdash in the future. And I think that the work done thus far is commendable. I heartily congratulate you on these achievements and wish you continued successes. Thank you.

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Speaking on behalf of the district public, Shahla Hajibalayeva thanked the President for the attention being paid to the development of Agdash.

Then a picture was taken.