It is a great pleasure to me as President and citizen of Georgia to greet You on the occasion of the historical event – inauguration of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. It is historical not only because the fraternal people of Azerbaijan has made their strategic choice in favor of stability and prosperity but also because the key country of the region has once again passed the maturity examination with honor.

From now on, You, dear Ilham Heydarovich, take on a great responsibility for continuation of the political course of Heydar Aliyev - the outstanding political figure, wise and brave man – which has turned Azerbaijan into the most important country in Eurasia, considerably risen the prestige and influence of Your state in the international arena, and put the country on the path of irreversible reforms, integration into the European and Euro Atlantic security structures. The course chosen by Heydar Aliyev has become possible to place the huge natural resources of the region at the service of the people of Azerbaijan, whole world, it has brought the function of Caucasus-South-East part of Europe up the qualitatively new level. This, dear Ilham Heydarovich, is very heavy burden, not everyone is equal to the task to bear it with dignity peculiar to Your father. It requires a great bravery, and I am sincerely glad to see this strain in You, which I think had been handed down to You.

I have always been proud and am proud today of the brotherly relations with the outstanding figure and great man President Heydar Aliyev. At those hard times, thanks exactly to the complete mutual understanding between us, relying on centuries-old traditions of our peoples, we have managed to lay unique and solid foundation for further interrelations and eternal friendship between our countries. I have remembered those years not in vein. Then, the future of our states like that of many other countries of the Black Sea and Caspian Sea region was rather unclear. It was not pleasure for all what we were doing to reach true independence for our states. Sometimes, we had to surmount the desperate resistance of different forces. However, due to this unique friendship and mutual support, we have managed to not only “fix up” our states but also launch realization of global projects.

The historical decision of President Heydar Aliyev has led to beginning of transportation of the early Azerbaijan oil to the world markets through the terminal in Supsa, and this main has been uninterruptedly functioning for several years. There were different kind of doubt in relation to the Main Export Pipeline Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and gas pipeline Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum, but both are now being laid, and expected to start functioning by late 2005.

Today, the people of Azerbaijan have made their choice, I think Your appearance in the big political arena is fully appropriate. I do not simply think, I am confident that You will worthily continue to lead Azerbaijan to prosperity and welfare, and will become an outstanding leader of the country.

For my part, dear Ilham Heydarovich, I want to promise that the Government of Georgia, the people of Georgia and I personally will do our best for the centuries-old relations between us to deepen. Georgia has always been, is and will be a faithful ally, reliable partner and support to Azerbaijan in joy and sorrow.

Huge works are waiting for us in the future; we have common plans and aspirations. E will overcome all temporary hardships and turn our counties into powerful and prospering states.

I congratulate Your on the election to the office of President of Azerbaijan. From now, on You are a bearer of the title of elected representative of the people, and I know that You will bear this title with pride and honor always and everywhere.

I with You and You favorite Azerbaijan peace and well being.

Eduard Shevardnadze

President of Georgia

Tbilisi, October 15, 2003