Azerbaijan's development enables it to solve any task: Azerbaijani president (UPDATE)

August 5

18:33

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev today has ended his visit to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

A guard of honor was lined up in honor of the Head of State at Nakhchivan International Airport.

President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva were seen off by Chairman of Nakhchivan`s Supreme Majlis Vasif Talybov and other top officials.

11:11

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made a speech at the ceremony to mark 85th anniversary of  the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic on  August 4.

Nakhchivan is an ancient Azerbaijani land. Our people have for centuries lived and worked on this beautiful earth. Historical and architectural monuments in Nakhchivan illustrate great the talent of the people of Azerbaijan. Nakhchivan has given great personalities to Azerbaijan including great leader Heydar Aliyev.

Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic was established in 1924. At that time we lived under a completely different social and political order. The then Soviet leadership gave ancient Azerbaijani land - Zangazur county to Armenia. As a result, geographical relationship between Nakhchivan and the rest of Azerbaijan was interrupted.

Nakhchivan’s military capability is at a very high level. Visiting military unit of yesterday, I again witnessed that everything has been done to protect Nakhchivan and Nakhchivan is able to fully defend itself against any attacks as well as perform any military task.

Successful political and economic reforms, ongoing processes of democratization and the rule of law in the country contribute to Azerbaijan’s integration into the world community. These reforms are continuing. Azerbaijan is a modern state with very strong economic potential. This economic potential depends not only on the energy factor. World economic and financial crisis once again demonstrated it.

Despite the crisis, the Azerbaijani economy is developing successfully. Economic growth was recorded this year, too. Growth exceeded 4 percent in non-oil sector. In general, over the first six months Azerbaijan’s GDP) rose 3.6 percent. Today, Azerbaijan is able to solve any economic, political and social tasks.

International position of our country is strengthening. Azerbaijan is recognized as a reliable partner worldwide and the number of countries that maintain friendly relations with us is growing. Azerbaijan is a very attractive country for investments. We build our relations with all countries based on mutual interests and mutual respect which brings great success to Azerbaijan. At the same time, Azerbaijan's economy is strong enough to fully support population. We are not dependent on anyone and does not need any financial assistance. These months of crisis once again showed that Azerbaijan can live and live well at its own expense.

We have ensured our energy, transport and food security. These three factors play an important role in the development of any country.

Azerbaijan attaches great importance to solving social issues. This policy also was launched by great leader Heydar Aliyev: a strong economy, strong social policy and concrete steps to improve human well-being.

Strong Nakhchivan means strong Azerbaijan. Nakhchivan is located in a strategic area. Nakhchivan is of great political and strategic significance. Nakhchivan and Nakhchivan people made a great contribution to the attainment of independence of Azerbaijan. I am sure that Nakhchivan people, as always, will further have they say and make a valuable contribution to the strengthening of state independence and development of Azerbaijan as a modern state.

I once again cordially congratulate you on this wonderful anniversary, I wish you health, success in your endeavors.”

August 4

15:47

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended today a celebrative event to mark the 85th anniversary of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

The President and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva were welcomed by prominent scientists, cultural figures, representatives of diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan and local residents.

President Ilham Aliyev made a speech in the event. He said national leader Heydar Aliyev made a huge contribution to the development of Nakhchivan, adding “this policy will further be continued”.

The Head of State praised social, economic and cultural achievements gained recently in Nakhchivan.

Chairman of Nakhchivan`s Supreme Majlis Vasif Talybov spoke of arrangements to mark the 85th anniversary of Nakhchivan.

President Ilham Aliyev presented state awards, honorary titles and Azerbaijani President`s honorary degrees to those who have contributed to social and economic development in Nakhchivan.

11: 23

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has today inaugurated a Maternity Center here.

The president congratulated the ceremony participants.

 “I congratulate you on the opening of this beautiful maternity house. Beautiful building and  medical facility very valuable for Nakhchivan has been built in a very short time, that is, in a year. The life of every human being begins with a maternity home. So, we want very much highest standards to be applied here. This maternity home which is of great importance to ensure that children are born healthy and that the young generation grow up healthy has been built with high quality and excellent equipment. Azerbaijani people should be healthy.

Young generation and children should grow up healthy and become decent human beings. Maternity home is of great importance to human life and health. Here mothers will be provided  best services and children will be born healthy.

As you know, in recent years the infant mortality rate in Azerbaijan has fallen sharply. The negative statistics which was typical of all periods changed for the better thanks to new health facilities.

The capacity of the hospital was enhanced. All kids in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic can be born in this hospital. It is very important that there is a high-quality medical care. I am confident Nakhchivan doctors, as before, will show their high skills.

We place great emphasis on social issues in general. Large amount of funds have been invested in improvement of the health system. Construction of this Maternity Center demonstrates the capabilities of Azerbaijan today. If we did not have economic opportunities, financial resources, it would be impossible to do it. 

A strong economy means a strong social policy and we are committed to this policy. It is the policy of Heydar Aliyev and his political legacy that he left us. Today, Azerbaijan has reached a development which enables it to solve any task.

Nakhchivan with each passing day becomes more beautiful and comfortable. I trip to Nakhchivan every year. In June last year, we together laid the foundation of the Maternity Center. Very large and excellent changes for the better occurred in Nakhchivan over the past year. New companies and new health centers are opened and the city becomes more beautiful and comfortable. I am sure that people living in Nakhchivan are proud of these wonderful changes.

I wish you success in your future endeavors. I congratulate all of the medical community of  Azerbaijan on occasion of launch of this beautiful maternity center. I wish health to all of you.”

The Head of State was told about reconstruction of buildings around the center.

Azerbaijani Leader was also briefed about the center`s ambulances.

09:53

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the inauguration of the Olympic Sport Complex in Sharur region on August 3.

The Sharur public and sport community welcomed here the President and his spouse.

The Head of State cut a ribbon symbolizing official opening of the complex.

Construction of the complex started in June 2007. The facilities here include a hotel, sport complex, swimming pool, stadium, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts and mini-football pitch. There are two gyms in the complex.

The complex has been provided with the modern equipment.

Amenities of the area around the complex included modern lighting and plants.

President Ilham Aliyev inspected the hotel, sport complex, stadium and indoor pitch.

The Head of State congratulated Sharur athletes on the opening of the complex and presented them keepsakes.

On behalf of all athletes, chess player Farida Alasgarova thanked President Ilham Aliyev for the care and attention.

The Head of State kicked a ball into the net.

The President viewed the swimming pool. He congratulated Nakhchivan sport community on the opening of the complex and had his picture taken together with them.

August 3

18:02

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev has today cut a ribbon to open a Chess Center here.

The President and his spouse toured the 3-storied center whose area is 4,254 square meters.

The center has 192- and 54-seat halls designed for international competitions, 6 classrooms and several offices. The center enrolls 600 students who are taught by 15 teachers.

18:01

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev has today opened Badamly mineral water plant in Nakhchivan.

The President pushed the button symbolizing the official opening of the plant which covers a total area of 2.1 hectares.

The plant produces mineral water from Badamly village in Shahbuz, Nakhchivan, 1,274 kilometers above sea level. The facility also manufactures bottled natural spring water.

A special equipment of French company Sidel Group, one of the world leaders in packaging liquid foods, was installed in the plant to bottle the water.

The President and his spouse toured the plant and tasted its products.

16:20

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev has today inaugurated the newly-reconstructed Heydar Aliyev palace in Nakhchivan.

After cutting the ribbon symbolizing the official opening of the palace, the President toured the facility.

Chairman of Nakhchivan`s Supreme Majlis, Vasif Talybov, who accompanied the Head of State, told him the total area of the palace is 14,920 square meters.

The 4-storied facility features 943-seat concert and 276-seat conference halls. It also houses offices of Nakhchivan`s ministry of culture and tourism, State Philharmonic Hall, picture gallery and film council.

The 2-storied stage of the palace covers an area of 586 square meters.

Nearby area of the palace also got a new look, which includes an expanded green area and modern lighting system among others. There is also a huge monitor in front of the palace, showing remarkable moments from the nationwide leader's life and career.

The president praised the reconstruction of the palace.

15:32

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva have visited today a monument to nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev here and laid flowers at its foot.

13:31

A ceremonial guard of honor was lined up at the Nakhchivan international airport where the President and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva were welcomed by Chairman of Nakhchivan`s Supreme Majlis Vasif Talybov.

After inspecting the guard of honor, President Ilham Aliyev greeted Nakhchivan`s senior officials.

/AzerTaj/