George Bush Sr. recalls Heydar Aliyev
Former US president George Bush has shared his recollections about
the nationwide leader, late Azerbaijani president Heydar Aliyev in
a Baku-based media outlet.
"President Heydar Aliyev will always be remembered for the role he played in the early years of Azerbaijan's independence in its shape-up. Moreover, thanks to his efforts, we succeeded in forging strong economic and diplomatic relations between the two countries," said George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st US president and father of incumbent President George Bush.
The remarks were carried in an exclusive interview with the Baku journal's third issue published on the occasion of Aliyev's 85th anniversary.
Bush said further that it was Heydar Aliyev who laid Azerbaijan's economic foundation. "I am primarily referring to the energy sector, the most significant field of the economy. Under his leadership, Azerbaijan took steps that allowed it to turn into a key supplier in international oil and gas markets."
George Bush Sr. recalled further: "I have good memories about President Aliyev's visit to Kennebunkport, Maine in September 2002. I had arranged a reception for the president, who came to the U.S. to attend a session of the UN General Assembly in New York. This was a good opportunity for us to get to know each other and have an informal exchange of views. I was pleased to host such a distinguished guest at our favorite home, which means a lot to me and my wife Barbara.
"We had hoisted Azerbaijan's flag in appreciation of the honor of Heydar Aliyev's visit. I think he was delighted to be hosted not at some office, but our home. This underscored the importance of America-Azerbaijan relations," the former US president said.
Bush went on: "I remember us talking a while outdoors before going inside the house. President Aliyev took great interest in the ocean and my two hobbies - fishing and boat-riding."
"After my son, George Bush Jr., was elected president, Heydar Aliyev and I wrote to each other. I appreciate the attention and good wishes of President Aliyev, who had congratulated George on winning the election. He further extended me courtesy by inviting me to Azerbaijan," Bush recalled.
"President Heydar Aliyev will always be remembered for the role he played in the early years of Azerbaijan's independence in its shape-up. Moreover, thanks to his efforts, we succeeded in forging strong economic and diplomatic relations between the two countries," said George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st US president and father of incumbent President George Bush.
The remarks were carried in an exclusive interview with the Baku journal's third issue published on the occasion of Aliyev's 85th anniversary.
Bush said further that it was Heydar Aliyev who laid Azerbaijan's economic foundation. "I am primarily referring to the energy sector, the most significant field of the economy. Under his leadership, Azerbaijan took steps that allowed it to turn into a key supplier in international oil and gas markets."
George Bush Sr. recalled further: "I have good memories about President Aliyev's visit to Kennebunkport, Maine in September 2002. I had arranged a reception for the president, who came to the U.S. to attend a session of the UN General Assembly in New York. This was a good opportunity for us to get to know each other and have an informal exchange of views. I was pleased to host such a distinguished guest at our favorite home, which means a lot to me and my wife Barbara.
"We had hoisted Azerbaijan's flag in appreciation of the honor of Heydar Aliyev's visit. I think he was delighted to be hosted not at some office, but our home. This underscored the importance of America-Azerbaijan relations," the former US president said.
Bush went on: "I remember us talking a while outdoors before going inside the house. President Aliyev took great interest in the ocean and my two hobbies - fishing and boat-riding."
"After my son, George Bush Jr., was elected president, Heydar Aliyev and I wrote to each other. I appreciate the attention and good wishes of President Aliyev, who had congratulated George on winning the election. He further extended me courtesy by inviting me to Azerbaijan," Bush recalled.
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