“It is a great honor for me to be present here today as we pay tribute to the memory and legacy of Heydar Aliyev, a remarkable statesman and historical figure who laid the foundation for modern Azerbaijan,” the Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, Shalva Papuashvili addressed the audience at the Milli Mejlis session dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev.
As Papuashvili remarked, President Aliyev was a great supporter of peace and stability in the Caucasus region, and his important role in strengthening the ties between Georgia and Azerbaijan turned the historical friendship between the countries into a strong strategic partnership, which the government, especially values.
“It is a great honor for me to be present here today as we pay tribute to the memory and legacy of Heydar Aliyev, a remarkable statesman and historical figure who laid the foundation for modern Azerbaijan,” he said.
“A person’s true character is reflected in their deeds. President Aliyev was a visionary leader who played a pivotal role in shaping modern Azerbaijan. Following the challenging initial years of independence, Mr. Aliyev revitalized the national spirit of the Azerbaijani people, instilling a sense of national identity and establishing a solid groundwork for the nation’s statehood. Through effective policies across various domains, he transformed Azerbaijan into a strong, stable, and prosperous country, winning the hearts of his own people.
“President Aliyev was a staunch advocate for peace and stability in the Caucasus region. His instrumental role in strengthening the bonds between Georgia and Azerbaijan elevated our historical friendship to a robust strategic partnership that our government greatly values. The energy transit routes, whose foundation was laid through the joint efforts of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey under President Aliyev’s exceptional leadership, serve as an exemplary testament to his grand strategic vision.
“President Aliyev, together with his Georgian and Turkish counterparts of the time, achieved the seemingly impossible. Few could have foreseen the significance of these far-sighted projects, which gradually revived ancient trade routes and now serve as vital links between Europe and Asia. It is through President Heydar Aliyev’s wise decisions that we can witness the realization of these remarkable large-scale endeavors.
“Aliyev, a historical statesman and eminent politician, earned a reputation as a renowned, far-sighted, and esteemed leader in the international arena. He left behind a lasting legacy that stands the test of time and serves as an inspiration for future generations. Building upon this rich heritage, it is imperative that we continue to promote the further development of Azerbaijan and work towards fostering peace and stability in the Caucasus region.
“On this momentous and historic day, I extend my heartfelt wishes of peace, success, and prosperity to the people of Azerbaijan. We stand ready to further strengthen the bilateral ties between our parliaments, countries, and peoples, forging a future of increased cooperation and mutual understanding,” Papuashvili stated.