Dear residents of Absheron,

Today is a wonderful and remarkable day. A monument to the great leader Heydar Aliyev is going to be open today in the Absheron district. The great leader Heydar Aliyev, at all times, worthily and devotedly served the people of Azerbaijan. In the 1970s when Azerbaijan was part of the Soviet Union, so much was done for social and economic development of our republic, so huge industrial potential was created, that is of great importance for all-round development of Azerbaijan even today. Those years, improvement works and construction activities were being performed, I would say, in every corner of Azerbaijan, and our republic was among top ranking ones.

The following period was very hard for Azerbaijan. As you know, the negative processes taking place in the country after the collapse of the Soviet Union then led Azerbaijan to the edge of abyss. Both political and economic crisis Azerbaijan was experiencing at that time created big problems for the country. In fact, the state independence of Azerbaijan was questioned. It was Heydar Aliyev who answering the call of the Azerbaijani people, came back to the country in 1993, was elected the President, and saved our country form bigger troubles. From that day until now, Azerbaijan has been developing intensively and dynamically. Whereas in 1991 it was the country in a terrible plight, today, it is the world’s most rapidly developing state. The entire global community is already aware that Azerbaijan has highest economic growth rate in the world. It certainly had required thorough knowledge, competence, skills, courage and wisdom. Today this policy is being continued. Improvement works are being performed everywhere in Azerbaijan. It is obvious by the example of the Absheron district. The aspect of the district has changed for the better for the short period of time: new roads and parks are being constructed, improvement works are underway. It is seen everywhere in our republic, in our country. I would like so much these processes to run more intensively, for the people to live better, and our economy to develop more rapidly.

It was also after the great leader’s return to power in Azerbaijan that the basis of the economic growth was laid. Implementation of the Heydar Aliyev’s oil strategy begun in 1994 with signing of the Contract of the Century is being continued today. The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, which is of global importance, is already operating. It is not by chance that the pipeline bears the name of Heydar Aliyev. It was he who initiated this pipeline’s construction. Despite the then existing difficulties and obstacles, we managed to have it realized. The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline will ensure a long-term development of our republic.

Today, Azerbaijan ranks among politically and economically advanced countries. Political stability is fully established. The world experience testifies that no development is possible without stability. Both ancient and recent history can serve as a graphic evidence of this. There is a very positive socio-political situation in Azerbaijan. Our country continues to develop successfully strengthening its international positions. It has already become a tradition for us to host events of the authoritative international organizations. Yesterday, the Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers opened in Baku. Earlier, summit meetings in the framework of the international organizations had been held. Azerbaijan is strengthening its positions both in the region and worldwide. It is based on the deliberate policy and, of course, economic potential. Nothing can be done without economic possibilities. Our economic reforms are being implemented successfully. The budget is growing every year. The budget spending has increased several times over the past three years.

A new one will be fixed within the few next months, and I am sure we will do see growth again. First of all, it is reflected in people’s everyday life. Salaries and pensions rise. I can say, practical measures will be taken soon to raise the minimum salary and pensions.

Look, how many needs our country has. Whatever you kook at, you can see the process of development. Construction works are underway. New roads, water and gas pipelines, power stations, buildings, plants, factories and schools are being constructed.

Today, I will lay the foundation stone of a big school. The schools are being built in every corner of Azerbaijan; not one or two, but hundreds of schools have been built over recent years. We will continue to do it in the coming years. The hospitals are being built. Therefore, everything is done to meet people’s everyday needs. There is a deliberate conception, practice and program in every sphere. All the work is carried out within the framework of a program; it is two years since the program on socio-economic development of regions has been implemented, creating some 450 thousand new jobs. This process is going on since there are still many unemployed in Azerbaijan. There are many people living in poverty although the number of people living in poverty fell by 20 per cent during a year. Our aim is to eradicate poverty and unemployment completely in Azerbaijan, and we will do achieve it. It is the work done that allows us to assert it. The annually growing economic potential and our programs allow us to assert it as well. I want to say once more that we have programs in every sphere.

Many things depend on local officials as, firstly, right decisions are made but they have to be fulfilled locally. Secondly, local authorities should exercise initiative too. It is also needed, and we see Absheron district as an example of this. I always tell about both positive and negative points. When I see the things going well, it, of course, makes me glad. You, people living here, can see that much work has been done within the short period of time. It is just a beginning. Additional funds will be earmarked to develop the district. New factories, plants will be constructed; jobs will be created, and, thus, people will live better.

On the other hand, wages and pensions will rise yearly. The amount of both the minimum wage and minimum pension will rise from year to year because the present level cannot pleases us. It is associated with today’s economic situation of Azerbaijan. With our economic situation improving, all the people’s needs will be met.

I want to reiterate that the audacious step undertaken in 1994 has defined the perspective of the long-term development of Azerbaijan. Just imagine, what the situation in Azerbaijan would have been like if the Contract of the Century had not been concluded, and Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline had not been built?! Of course, our country would have faced great problems, both economic and political, as we can see that it is economic freedom, economic independence, as a whole that defines the country’s independence. Wonderful future awaits Azerbaijan. Exploitation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline will bring much money to our country, improve financial possibilities, and, first of all, increase people’s living standards. I have no doubt about it. We already see it, and, direct all our efforts towards this sphere.

I want to reiterate that each region, each district must be developed. Additional measures to develop the Absheron district will be undertaken, and necessary aid will be provided. At the same time, the public of the district should be, as always, active for Absheron to be one of the most leading districts of Azerbaijan. I am sure that you will achieve this. Since you work so well, I am confident, good deeds will continue to be performed.

Dear friends, I am greeting you cordially once again. Today is a really wonderful day. We have gathered at the great leader’s monument. On one hand, we pay tribute to great leader Heydar Aliyev; on the other hand, we analyze the work done. The main thing is that we think of the future: what will the future of Azerbaijan be like? Where is it going? What will the situation in Azerbaijan be like in two or three years? Today, we are thinking of all this. I am hopeful that by exerting all our efforts we will make our country richer, and will create a powerful and modern state.

I wish you all every success in this cause. Thank you.