Azernews.Az

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev last Thursday inaugurated the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku and attended a solemn ceremony marking the 89th birthday anniversary of the national leader and the eighth anniversary of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation`s establishment.

First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and other members of the president`s family attended the ceremony as well.

In designing the Heydar Aliyev Center, a unique pearl of world architecture, the architectural flavor of Baku has been meticulously considered. A perfect reflection of the unique Center`s idea in its architecture imparts special individuality to the ensemble. The construction of the Heydar Aliyev Center, which represents particular importance in terms of promoting the national leader`s philosophy of Azerbaijanism and participation of Azerbaijani citizens in momentous and large-scale projects within the framework of global developments, reflects the modern realities of Azerbaijan. Also, the establishment of this culture center, an important event in the public and political life of the country, demonstrates the scale and significance of the measures being taken under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.

Addressing the ceremony, President Aliyev described the Heydar Aliyev Center as a unique architectural monument and spoke about the idea behind it. The president said that the Center, designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, attracts attention with its modernity and versatility. He expressed his gratitude to both the architect and everyone else who participated in the construction. Noting that he had regularly followed the progress of construction, Aliyev said the Center would serve the citizens of Azerbaijan.

``Baku is rapidly developing and becoming prettier,`` Aliyev said and added that the capital city, which harmoniously blends modernity and antiquity, has many well-known symbols. New symbols of modern Baku are now emerging, including the Seaside National Park, the State Flag Square, the Flame Towers, the Baku Crystal Hall and, finally, the Heydar Aliyev Center.

``Heydar Aliyev has always served his people,`` President Aliyev said. He spoke about the work the great leader carried out when leading the country. The president noted that Heydar Aliyev worked for the development of Azerbaijan.

``After being alienated from the government, the great leader faced great challenges, separatist tendencies intensified in Nagorno-Karabakh, the January tragedy and the Khojaly genocide occurred, the process of occupation of our lands began and the country was subjected to huge pressure,`` Aliyev said. ``Thanks to his political will, wisdom and courage and the people`s love for the national leader, who returned to the leadership in the country at people`s request in 1993, Azerbaijan managed to avert the imminent disaster. The country entered a period of progress and achieved development in all areas. Therefore, Heydar Aliyev is the founder and creator of the modern independent Azerbaijan.``

Speaking about the socioeconomic reforms ongoing in Azerbaijan in recent years, President Aliyev said a process of democratization was in full swing in Azerbaijan. Touching upon the significant economic achievements, the president said they were confirmed by international financial institutions. It is no coincidence that Azerbaijan has a strong economy and a strong army today, he said.

``We will never allow anyone to encroach on the sovereignty of Azerbaijan and our right to develop,`` Aliyev said describing Azerbaijan`s growing authority in the world. He said this is Azerbaijan`s principled position in international organizations and it is based on national interests, justice and international law.

The president described Azerbaijan`s election to the UN Security Council as a diplomatic success of Azerbaijan, a country which has only been independent for 20 years.

Then a film was demonstrated about the Heydar Aliyev Center, one of the unique masterpieces of world architecture.

The film describes the idea behind the Center, the measures taken in this direction and the importance of the architectural complex which will become a symbol of Baku under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.

Further, a ceremony marking the eighth anniversary of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation was held.

In remarks at the ceremony, the president of the Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, described the building as a tribute to the memory of the great leader.

Aliyeva spoke about the activities of the Foundation, saying that the organization she is leading has successfully participated in many international projects.

The first lady said the Foundation would do its best to ensure that the forthcoming Eurovision 2012 song contest due in Baku shortly was a success.

Lithuanian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Kestutis Kudzmanas received the international award ``Golden sycamore`` established by the Foundation for a great contribution to the Foundation`s activities in the field of education.

The same award was handed to Honored Master of Sports Ilham Zakiyev for successfully representing Azerbaijan in international sports competitions.