A ceremony  on the occasion of  inauguration of the Heydar Aliyev Centre, 89^th anniversary of national leader Heydar Aliyev and 8^th  anniversary of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s activity was held in Baku, May 10. President Ilham Aliyev, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva and members of the family attended the ceremony.

President Ilham Aliyev and Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva cut the ribbon symbolizing the  inauguration of the Heydar Aliyev Centre.

President Ilham Aliyev delivered a speech at the ceremony.

Saying the Heydar Aliyev Centre was a unique architectural monument, President Ilham Aliyev talked of the idea of creating this complex. The head of the state underlined that, built based on the design by world-renown architect Zaha Hadid, this building drew attention by its modernity and was multifunctional, and thanked the architect and all people that have taken part in its construction. Noting that he had repeatedly inquired about the progress of the construction, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized this centre will provide high level service to citizens of Azerbaijan.

Saying “Baku has been improving and developing fast“, President Ilham Aliyev noted our capital, where modernity and antiquity unite, has a number of famous symbols. And now a new symbol of a modern Baku is being created, and among them are  the Seaside National Park, the State Flag Square, Flame Flowers, Crystal Hall and, finally, the Heydar Aliyev Centre.

Noting “Heydar Aliyev has always served his nation”, President Ilham Aliyev talked of the works done by the national leader during the years he led our country. He said Heydar Aliyev had worked hard for the development of the country. After the national leader was removed from the power, Azerbaijan faced great challenges, separatists tendencies became stronger in Daghlyg Garabagh, Bloody January and Khojaly genocide occurred, occupation of our lands started and the country faced tense public and political pressures. Due to political will, wisdom and courage of Heydar Aliyev, who returned to power in 1993 by people’s demand, and love of people, Azerbaijan escaped from the disaster it had faced. The country entered the period of prosperity, and tendencies of development became stronger in all areas. Therefore, Heydar Aliyev is a founding father and builder of a new Azerbaijan.

Talking of  the political and economic reforms recently implemented in Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev brought to the attention of the audience the process of  democratisation in the country. Noting the essential achievements in the economy, the head of the state said these achievements have been confirmed also by international financial organizations. It is by no chance that now Azerbaijan has strong economy and army. Saying “We will never let anyone interfere with sovereignty of Azerbaijan and its right to development“, President Ilham Aliyev talked of the increasing influence of our country in the world. It was told that this position of Azerbaijan, which is distinguished for its principal stand, is based on national interests of our people, justice and international law. The head of our state described Azerbaijan’s election to the security council of UN as diplomatic success of Azerbaijan, which has been independent for only 20 years.

Then a documentary talking of the Heydar Aliyev Centre was demonstrated. The film talked of the idea of creating the Centre, actions taken in this direction and the essence of this unique architectural complex, which is going to become a symbol of Baku under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.

After the demonstration of the documentary, a ceremony devoted to the 8^th  anniversary of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s activity was held. First, a video film talking of the public and political activity of national leader Heydar Aliyev was demonstrated.

President of the Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva delivered a speech at the ceremony.

Then winners of the “Golden Plane” International Prize instituted by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for 2012 were announced. Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to the Republic of Azerbaijan Kestutis Kudzmanas was presented the “Golden Plane” International Prize for his support to the activity of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in the sphere of education. Expressing his gratitude, Ambassador Kestutis said:

Your Excellency Mr. President!

President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, esteemed Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva!

First of all, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. We know that the strategy pursued by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has been ensuring the development of the society, being an essential factor. I’m very pleased that the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania and the Foundation have had  such fruitful cooperation. I would like to note that the prize that I’ve been awarded talks of the high level of relations between Lithuania and Azerbaijan. Saying these words, I would like to wish the Heydar Aliyev Foundation every success in its future activity. I wish the Azerbaijani people prosperity and well-being.

Dear Mister President, esteemed Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, thank You.

Twice Paralympic champion, thrice world champion Ilham Zakiyev also was awarded the “Golden Plane” International Prize of the Foundation for his worthy representation of our country at international sport competitions, repeatedly raising the Azerbaijani flag, and matchless services for our nation and Homeland by sounding our state anthem. Having received the prize, Ilham Zakiyev thanked and said:

- My greetings to all the attendees of the evening,

Highly esteemed Mister President and Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva,

I would like to express my gratitude to You for this prize. This was unexpected for me. This “Golden Plane” Prize is not only the appraisal of Ilham Aliyev. This is the victory of the Azerbaijani sportsmen. I would like to thank You on behalf of all the Azerbaijani sportsmen. Thank You very much.

The ceremony continued with a concert program.