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On September 22, a ceremony of presenting the diplomas of an honorary citizen of the city of Veliko Tyrnovo and an honorary doctor of the Veliko Tyrnovo University named after Saints Cyril and Methodius to Azerbaijan’s First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva took place in Bulgaria.

Mehriban Aliyeva has been conferred on the title of an honorary citizen of the city of Veliko Tyrnovo for her services to preservation of the city’s cultural heritage.

Thanking Mehriban Aliyeva once more on behalf of the city residents, mayor of Veliko Tyrnovo Daniel Panov said this title was the highest award of the city. It was underscored that his proposal on choosing Mehriban Aliyeva an honorary citizen was unilaterally accepted at a meeting of the town hall, which took place on August 25, 2016.

Then Mehriban Aliyeva was presented the diploma of an honorary citizen of the city of Veliko Tyrnovo, and a badge.

Mehriban Aliyeva addressed the ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Boyko Borisov noted that Azerbaijan’s – a Muslim country - restoring a religious-cultural temple in Bulgaria – a Christian country – has been welcomed in this country with great sympathy. Having restored this monument, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation made the Bulgarian’ people’s 132-year dream come true.

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Then, a ceremony of presenting to Mehriban Aliyeva the diploma of an honorary doctor of the Veliko Tyrnovo University named after Saints Cyril and Methodius took place.

Mehriban Aliyeva has been conferred on the title of an honorary doctor for her great contributions to preservation and promotion of Bulgaria’s cultural heritage, and her active participation in this work.

Rector of the University Christo Bondjolov noted that Mehriban Aliyeva, goodwill ambassadors of such influential international organizations as UNESCO and ISESCO, has been making contributions to preservation of the cultural heritage of the world, including Europe, and development of dialogue among cultures and religions. The rector talked about the projects implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation throughout the world.

Then, Mehriban Aliyeva was presented the mantle and diploma of an honorary doctor of the Veliko Tyrnovo University named after Saints Cyril and Methodius.

Thanking for the high appreciation of her services, Mehriban Aliyeva said:

- Dear Mister rector.

Let me thank you profoundly for conferring me on the title of an honorary doctor of the Veliko Tyrnovo University named after Saints Cyril and Methodius. This is, indeed, a great honour for me. I’ve grown up in a family of teachers, who have spent all their lives to science. Hence, I have profound respect toward people who spend their lives to teaching the young generation science, knowledge. Please, deliver my deep thanks to the teaching staff of the university.

Today, it is no secret for anyone that every state’s success is defined by how educated and knowledgeable its young generation is. It is the human potential, scientific potential, skilled young generation who ensure the country’s worthy place in future. You, teachers, professors are providing this knowledge, this light. It is you who give knowledge, a life lesson to the young generation. I was profoundly moved by your decision to confer me on this high award, and I accept this award as a kind of an advance, to a certain degree, since I have to do a lot more to fully deserve this title.

Thank you for such high appreciation of my activity. I am confident together we can do a lot in the field of education in the name of Azerbaijan and in the name of Bulgaria. Thank you for the warmth of your heart. I’m very much moved by this. Thank you very much.

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Mehriban Aliyeva wrote her heartfelt words in the Honorary Guests Book of this higher education establishment.

At the end of the ceremony, they were photographed.

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On September 22, Mehriban Aliyeva and Leyla Aliyeva viewed a light show arranged in the city of Veliko Tyrnovo on the occasion of Bulgaria’s national holiday – the Independence Day. Created using special light effects, the show ended by fireworks.

On the same day, an official banquet was arranged in honour of Mehriban Aliyeva on behalf of Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Boyko Borisov.