A solemn ceremony on the occasion of the 86th birthday of national leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev and the 5th anniversary of establishment of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation was held

May 10, solemn ceremony marking national leader Heydar Aliyev`s 86th birthday anniversary and 5th anniversary of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation was held at the Buta Palace in Baku.

President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva attended the ceremony.

The meeting attended by government officials, foreign guests was addressed by President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Milli Majlis member Mehriban Aliyeva. She said Heydar Aliyev`s rule in Azerbaijan was based on patriotism.

Recalling services of the genius leader before our people and country the First Lady said only great and unique persons carry high and supreme mission. Life of such persons serves high objectives and is dedicated to eternal fight.

“Azerbaijan is the result of Heydar Aliyev`s victory,” said Mehriban Aliyeva.

The President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation touched upon the Foundation`s five-year activity, saying it pays attention to development of a number of spheres and implements huge projects. Works done for these 5 years cover science, education, culture, health, social spheres. But one factor unites them. This is the desire and honor of serving Azerbaijan. I once again want to assure you this foundation named after Heydar Aliyev is ready and able to do much more for present and future of Azerbaijan. God bless Azerbaijan!

A film about national leader Heydar Aliyev was demonstrated at the event. The film has featured family life of Heydar Aliyev for the first time.

President Ilham Aliyev addressed the ceremony.

The President stressed Heydar Aliyev went through trials successfully at all times, saying his policy and ideas are successfully continued. “We, his successors, will continue his policy and lead Azerbaijan along his path,” said the President.

He noted Azerbaijan is a modern state and the country is developing. This path of development was shown by Heydar Aliyev and national leader`s Azerbaijanism idea is the basis of Azerbaijan`s ideology.

“I am very proud that we, Heydar Aliyev`s successors, rule the country the way he wanted to. Ruling the country, first of all, we rely on people`s trust just like Heydar Aliyev did and pursue our policy in line with people`s will. It is a major condition for successfully development of every country,” said the President.

Ilham Aliyev praised five-year activity of the Foundation, adding it has always extended a helping hand to everyone who needed help. President Aliyev said the Foundation proved if there is desire and good will, any issue in any field can be solved. He described Heydar Aliyev Foundation`s activity as “good intention”.

Then, ceremony was held to present the Heydar Aliyev Award.

The Heydar Aliyev Award was presented to sculptor, people’s artist Omar Eldarov for his contribution to development of Azeri fine arts.

The Heydar Aliyev Award was presented to composer, people`s artist Arif Melikov for contribution to development of music of Azerbaijan.

The Heydar Aliyev Award was presented to President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva for her contribution to socio-political and cultural life of Azerbaijan.

Mehriban Aliyeva: First of all, I express my gratitude to You, Mr President, for assessing my activity so high. It is everyone`s duty to serve the homeland. It is the greatest honor for me to be presented the Heydar Aliyev Award. I deeply thank to everyone trusting, helping, supporting me. I express my deep love and respect to my family – my father, children and spouse who are the endless source of energy to me. I donate the money award granted to me to the Armed Forces Aid Foundation. Thank you so much.

A film narrating on Heydar Aliyev Foundation`s activity was shown later.

The “Gold Plane” International Award instituted by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation was presented then.

The award was presented to Ihsan Dogramaci for his active participation in the Heydar Aliyev Foundation projects and programs and contribution to development of international relationship (the award was given to Rector of the Bilkent University, Ihsan Dogramaci`s son, Ali Dogramaci).

People`s artist Alibaba Mammadov was awarded for contribution to development of mugham art and growth of new generation of singers in Azerbaijan.

Marco Borsotti, former UN resident coordinator in Azerbaijan, was awarded for his participation in the internationally important projects and cooperation with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

Cardiovascular surgeon Rashad Mahmudov was awarded for supporting Heydar Aliyev Foundation`s healthcare projects.

Polish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Krzysztof Krajewski was awarded for supporting construction of the secondary school in the Sarigamish village of the Samukh region under the Heydar Aliyev Foundation`s “New Schools to Renewing Azerbaijan” Project.

Narmina Zohrabova, director of the Orphanage No1 in the Nizami district, was awarded for raising a healthy young generation.

The awarding ceremony was followed by the concert.