A sincerely congratulate you, the outstanding music composer who has great services in development of Azerbaijani culture, on the occasion of your 70th jubilee.

Continuing in a worthy manner, the fine traditions of the generation of great artists born by our nation, you have added the vivid pages to the Azerbaijan musical chronicle. As an alumnus of the school of Gara Garayev - the composer of genius of our era – you have gained music lovers’ deep respect and love from your youth up. The works created by you - the master who towers above the centuries-old foundation of the history of our national culture – in the genres of symphony, ballet, operetta, vocal, chamber music, have included in the list of invaluable masterpieces of thesaurus of Azerbaijani music. Your musical compositions embodying values common for all mankind, meeting in a worthy manner the demands of the modern art, have been realized in most eminent theatres around the world.

Like many outstanding masters, except creative work, you are engaged in teaching activity. As a professor of Baku Musical Academy, and applying your rich experience you even now render invaluable services in educating young music composers.

The civil stance you demonstrated during the days of ordeals Azerbaijan was undergoing, has brought you people’s great respect and sympathy. Your semi-centennial fruitful creative way has become an example of a composer’s faithful service to people, his boundless attachment to musical art. You creative work was repeatedly awarded high prizes. Your supreme award, however, is a world glory you have gained due to your born talent and devotion to the traditions of musical art.

I believe that you as a composer who has a great creative potential will not spare your knowledge and skills to develop Azerbaijani musical culture and train young composers to be masters.

I wish you good health, happiness and creative success.

Heydar Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

September 12, 2003.