On May 7, an event dedicated to the 103rd anniversary of the birth of National Leader Heydar Aliyev was held at the State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Chairman of the State Committee Rovshan Rzayev opened the event with an introductory speech.
The cherished memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, as well as the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the freedom, independence, and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, was honored with a minute of silence.
The Chairman of the State Committee highlighted the historic services of Heydar Aliyev — the founder of the independent and modern Azerbaijani state — to the Azerbaijani people, and noted that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, who continues his political and strategic course, the country has achieved major successes. He emphasized that this factor plays an important role in Azerbaijan’s comprehensive development.
It was noted that at a time when Azerbaijan’s independent statehood was under threat, Heydar Aliyev returned to power at the persistent request of the people and saved the country from fragmentation. The National Leader, who worked selflessly for national unity and solidarity, always demonstrated unwavering confidence that Azerbaijani lands would be liberated from occupation. He also identified improving the living conditions and social protection of refugees and internally displaced persons as one of the state’s highest priorities. Under his leadership, special programs in this field were prepared and implemented.
It was emphasized that President Ilham Aliyev has successfully continued the political course of the National Leader, and today independent Azerbaijan is advancing to new heights along the path of Heydar Aliyev. The dreams of the National Leader have become a reality: Azerbaijani lands have been liberated from occupation, and the country’s territorial integrity and state sovereignty have been fully restored. Under the leadership of President and Victorious Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, large-scale reconstruction and development works are being carried out in the liberated territories of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, while the phased voluntary, safe, and dignified return of former internally displaced persons to their native lands is underway. Currently, more than 80,000 people live, work, and study in these territories.
It was noted that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has been actively supporting the Great Return and the restoration of cultural heritage in the liberated territories, and that the Foundation’s head, First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, has always shown attention and care toward internally displaced persons.
Deputy Chairman of the State Committee Fuad Huseynov and Head of the Organizational Control and Analytics Department Nizami Huseynov also addressed the event, speaking about the life, personality, and outstanding statesmanship of National Leader Heydar Aliyev.
At the end of the event, documentary videos dedicated to the measures once implemented by the National Leader to address the problems of refugees and internally displaced persons, his meetings with them in temporary settlements, as well as the Great Victory achieved during the 44-day Patriotic War, were screened.
