Visit to “ELPIDA” Friendship Association of Children Suffering from Cancer in Athens

On June 15, Azerbaijan’s First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva paid a visit to “ELPIDA” Friendship Association of Children Suffering from Cancer.

Mehriban Aliyeva addressed the ceremony:

- Dear Marianna.

Dear children, dear friends.

I’m pleased to have visited your country again. We take pride in year-by-year extending relations between our countries – Azerbaijan and Greece, which are based on mutual benefit, partnership and respect.  Such close relations cover a number of areas – political, economic, humanitarian etc.  I’m hopeful the visit by the Azerbaijani President will deepen and extend this cooperation.

My first visit to ELPIDA Association took place five years ago. At that time, all your achievements had made a great impression on me. I would like to thank you for your such   noble mission that you have been carrying out.

I met my dear friend Marianna after I had been appointed a Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO. Ever since we have become close friends. I would also like to note that not only our friendship, but also our ideals are uniting us. For our organizations, ELPIDA and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation,  taking care of the people in need is the priority issue.

As Marianna noted, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation too has implemented a number of projects in social, cultural and educational spheres.

In Greek, ELPIDA means “hope”. Having seen these buildings, the state-of-the-art hospital for children suffering from cancer, the guest house for their parents and a section provided with the latest equipment and manned with very professional physicians, we can confidently say that   this is a true place of hope for both children and their parents.

Taking care of children that are forced to spend part of their life in a hospital is a very benevolent act. You not only treat here children using the latest technology, but also create a special environment for them. This is an environment of great care, love and support. You have been covering children with constant care. These children love playing games, walking and being with friends as all other children. And you never let them feel abandoned.   Your activities are worth deep gratitude. Thank you very much.

In conclusion, I would like to thanks dear Marianna, all members of ELPIDA Association for this prize. I accept this prize as a high appreciation of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s activities in the sphere of healthcare. Our goals remain the same: taking constant care of those in need of help.

I’m confident we will continue this mission for our children, as people are living with a hope for the future. And there is no future without children.

I would like to once more thank you for your hospitality. I wish you every success in your future initiatives. Thank you very much.

I invite all of you to visit our capital Baku in 2015 to watch the First European Games.