Baku: President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has emphasized the importance of safeguarding the Azerbaijani language. In a recent interview with local television channels, he highlighted the duty of every citizen to protect the national language, reflecting on its resilience during colonial times.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, President Aliyev expressed concerns over the influence of foreign words on the Azerbaijani language, noting that these do not enhance the language or the intelligence of those who use them. He stressed that while knowing multiple languages is beneficial, it is crucial to speak foreign languages only when necessary to preserve the integrity of the Azerbaijani language.

The president warned that the gradual corruption of the national language could lead to a weakening of national identity and, ultimately, statehood. He called on citizens to actively participate in protecting the language, emphasizing the potential consequences of failing to do so.