Great work done with great soul

By Azernews

Mehriban Aliyeva, the First Lady of Azerbaijan, is celebrating her birthday today.

Mehriban Aliyeva, the First Vice President of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Head of the Friends of Azerbaijan Culture Foundation, Good-Will Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO, is a state and public figure who could gain love and sympathy of the nation. She is an initiator and organizer of a number of remarkable events. Many achievements and important developments are associated mainly with the name of Mehriban Aliyeva.

"...Each of us is a soldier of our country, and we are ready to serve to the fullest extent of our power for the sake of Azerbaijan’s future," she once said. And these words can fully serve as the motto of all activities of Mehriban Aliyeva and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation headed by her to serve people and help those in need of help.

The scale and directions of Mehriban Aliyeva's activity is amazing. Significant steps to inform the world community about the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the titanic work on the development of the social sphere, the countless humanitarian actions held at home and abroad, a huge contribution to the preservation and multiplying the cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people and much more are her merits.

Since its establishment of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in 2004, headed by Mehriban Aliyeva, it’s actively involved in the development of the country and its people. And the successful work of the Foundation is connected with the name of Mehriban Aliyeva, her outstanding organizational skills, initiatives, adherence to principles and talent.

Mehriban Aliyeva's contribution to the development of the country's social sphere is unlimited. Azerbaijan is implementing a large-scale program to support orphans, which is an example of her love and care of children. The state provides them with all-round assistance in obtaining education, realizing their talents, trudging and solving housing problems.

Unique and ancient culture of Azerbaijan, as well as its rich historical heritage has received adequate attention of the international community under the close guidance of Mehriban Aliyeva. Her contribution to the development of culture is so priceless, as the sphere is currently experiencing its "golden age".

The world literally discovered Azerbaijan as a country with ancient traditions and rich culture, which appeared as an amazing part of the world cultural heritage, and the art of mugham became accessible and closer to foreign music lovers. After all, mugham, as Mehriban Aliyeva believes, is an unlimited space.

Global success of the Azerbaijani mugham and its inclusion in UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage became possible due to Mehriban Aliyeva's huge personal contribution to the preservation of the cultural and musical wealth of the Azerbaijani people.

Under the leadership of Mehriban Aliyeva everything turns out perfectly. The great organizer Mehriban Aliyeva showed herself during the preparation of the 4th Islamic Games in Baku, which, according to experts, guests and participants of the contest, was the best in the history of this event.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Games, Mehriban Aliyeva noted that these Games are a new bright page in the dynamic development of Azerbaijan and another historic event for the international sports community. “Our deep investment in sport has secured a lasting legacy of world-class skills, facilities and infrastructure,” Mehriban Aliyeva said in her speech.

Mehriban Aliyeva's activity as the President of the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation deserves a particular attention. After the First Lady headed the Gymnastics Federation in 2002, the national school of this sport was created from scratch. As a result of this large-scale work over the past 15 years, gymnastics in Azerbaijan has gone an incredible way of development, and our athletes are gaining great successes.

Appointment of Mehriban Aliyeva First Vice President of the country this February became a logical continuation of her immense public activities and personal contribution to the development of Azerbaijan, as well as reflecting the desire of the Azerbaijani society.

While presenting the First Vice-President, President Ilham Aliyev marked the merits of Mehriban Aliyeva in the socio-political and cultural life of the country, emphasizing that the work of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation led by her is highly appreciated by the Azerbaijani people.

“Mehriban Aliyeva is a great professional, a well-educated, experienced, principled and very kind person. It is no coincidence that the people of Azerbaijan treat her with great affection and love,” said the President adding that Mehriban Aliyeva enjoys tremendous respect in the international arena and, she has been awarded the highest state awards and medals of many countries for her activities.

There are no unsolvable tasks for a strong and purposeful person.

The high erudition and determination of Mehriban Aliyeva, her great organizational skills and managerial talent, the ability to speak the same language with representatives of the West and East, diplomats and religious figures -- these are just some of the factors that determine the great authority of Mehriban Aliyeva in Azerbaijan and abroad.