Pretoria: The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of South Africa held a solemn memorial ceremony to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the death of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Huseyn Rahimli, Charg© d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, addressed the event and highlighted National Leader Heydar Aliyev’s contributions to the nation and state. He emphasized Aliyev’s role as the founder and architect of the independent Azerbaijani state, a prominent politician devoted to his homeland and people, and a statesman with a lasting legacy in modern history. Rahimli noted Aliyev’s significant services to the nation during his leadership, which included a mission of salvation and a rich statehood legacy.
The head of the mission recounted that Heydar Aliyev led Azerbaijan during two pivotal periods: from 1969 to 1982, when Azerbaijan was part of the USSR, and from 1993 to 2003, after the country regained its independence. In the first period, Aliyev’s policies and reforms in social, economic, and cultural spheres transformed Azerbaijan into one of the USSR’s successful republics. In the second period, he opened a new chapter in Azerbaijan’s history by building a democratic, legal, and secular state. Rahimli mentioned that the Constitution of Azerbaijan, adopted in 1995 under Aliyev’s leadership, reinforced the country’s democratic framework.
Rahimli also drew attention to the continuation of Aliyev’s policies by President Ilham Aliyev. He stressed that Heydar Aliyev’s aspiration for the liberation of Garabagh and restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity was realized by his successor, President Ilham Aliyev, who led the Armed Forces to Victory, raising the national flag over Garabagh.
He further stated that as the 22nd anniversary of the national leader’s passing approaches, Heydar Aliyev’s legacy remains deeply ingrained in the national consciousness as the founder of modern Azerbaijan. His ideology strengthened national statehood and self-awareness, reinforcing the unity between the people and the state.
Rahimli highlighted the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s role in preserving national values and cultural heritage, as well as First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva’s efforts in promoting Azerbaijan’s culture and art globally.
The event concluded with participants paying tribute to Heydar Aliyev’s memory, observing a minute of silence, and laying flowers at his photograph. A film dedicated to the National Leader was also screened.