Baku, December 12, AZERTAC

Annually, on December 12th, the Azerbaijani people with deep respect commemorate the anniversary of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev’s passing.

National Leader Heydar Aliyev’s strategic foresight was instrumental in steering Azerbaijan towards independence and shaping the country’s development trajectory. His leadership, especially marked in the late 20th century, was crucial as Azerbaijan navigated significant geopolitical shifts following the Soviet Union’s collapse.

Heydar Aliyev’s relentless pursuit of a strong, independent Azerbaijan, coupled with dedication to national development, cements his status as a foundational figure in our country’s history.

The main political direction of Heydar Aliyev’s management philosophy was characterized by wide expansion of all forms and means of national self-expression of people, consolidation of the feeling of national pride and the realization of a rapid development strategy, stimulating the elevation of national consciousness.

Regarded as the architect of Azerbaijan’s contemporary era, Heydar Aliyev’s stature transcends that of a mere historical figure. He is revered as an extraordinary leader and statesman whose dedication and visionary approach guided the nation through challenging times, earning him legendary status in Azerbaijani history.

Under Heydar Aliyev’s guidance, Azerbaijan emerged from the 1990s crisis as a strong, stable and reliable state. His policies and foresight enabled Azerbaijan to establish itself as a key player in international relations. Heydar Aliyev’s ability to build equal relations and partnerships with global centres of power and dictate the world agenda was paramount to Azerbaijan’s success on the world stage.

During the post-Soviet period, Heydar Aliyev’s vision for Azerbaijan played a pivotal role in guiding the country towards independence and stability. His comprehensive national development strategy focused on establishing independence, socio-political stability, economic growth, and integrating Azerbaijan into the global community. He also prioritized modernizing the army, restoring territorial integrity and fostering national unity.

Heydar Aliyev demonstrated profound concern for Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage and education. He actively supported initiatives to preserve and promote Azerbaijani culture and history, ensuring that future generations would understand and value their national identity. His commitment extended to enhancing educational institutions and showcasing Azerbaijan’s rich cultural legacy on the international stage. Recognizing education as vital for national progress, National Leader Heydar Aliyev increased access to education and emphasized the importance of national ideology and independence in the educational content.

Heydar Aliyev initiated significant economic reforms, resulting in substantial economic growth and stabilization. Azerbaijan's GDP grew by 71%, and the country attracted investments in both production and non-production sectors, stabilizing the economy and expanding trade with foreign countries. These measures were critical in establishing a new system of economic relations in Azerbaijan.

Building upon the stability established within Azerbaijan and the growing international interest and trust in our country, the first oil contract, titled “The Contract of the Century,” was signed in September 1994. Its realization reflects the successful implementation of Heydar Aliyev’s oil strategy, which forms the foundation of independent Azerbaijan’s economic development concept. The core principle of this strategy was to utilize Azerbaijan’s rich natural resources more effectively for the prosperity of its people. This landmark contract, symbolizing Azerbaijan's economic sovereignty, laid the groundwork for the dynamic development of the nation’s economy, with its practical benefits still evident today. Azerbaijan's participation in major international projects, the restoration of the Great Silk Road, and the establishment of transport corridors through its territory are all outcomes of Heydar Aliyev’s visionary strategy.

Heydar Aliyev, the author of the first Constitution of independent Azerbaijan, pursued a consistent policy aimed at democratic and legal state-building, which laid the foundation for affirming human rights and freedoms in the country. His dedication to foreign policy, marked by successful and bold actions on an international scale and his skillful use of prestigious platforms for national goals, was crucial for both the present and future of Azerbaijani statehood.

Carrying forward Heydar Aliyev’s enduring legacy and visionary principles, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has been established to further his ideals and contribute to the progress of Azerbaijan.

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation, inaugurated on May 10, 2004, under the leadership of First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, upholds the ideals of the National Leader – mercy, nobility, and high humanism – within the public consciousness. The Foundation has confidently implemented numerous important projects for the future of our people, becoming a beacon of hope and refuge while proving its capacity to effectively fulfill its objectives. Thanks to the unique efforts of the Foundation, the realities of Azerbaijan are now widely recognized globally, and the political, social, and cultural image of our country is promoted at an exemplary level.

Today, President Ilham Aliyev successfully continues Heydar Aliyev’s political course. This continuity in leadership has ensured the effective implementation of Azerbaijan’s development strategy, including the full restoration of our country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, thereby Heydar Aliyev’s greatest wish – liberation of Karabakh from Armenian occupation – has been fulfilled. Independent Azerbaijan, confidently progressing on the path of development based on Heydar Aliyev’s ideas and rich statehood heritage, is achieving new strategic goals under President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership, writing honorable and proud chapters in the history of national statehood.

Heydar Aliyev’s contributions have laid the foundation of a prosperous, modern, and sovereign Azerbaijan, marked by a strong national identity and global recognition, leaving an enduring legacy for future generations.

Zaur Shukurov

Member of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan