Azerbaijanis in UAE to commemorate former president

Dubai: Azerbaijan’s former leader, Heydar Aliyev, will be remembered in Dubai on Thursday. The gathering, to be held at the JW Marriott Hotel, will remember the national leader’s ‘historical vision’ according to Samer Imanov, head of the Azerbaijani community in the UAE.

Heydar Aliyev was born on May 10, 1923 and died on December 12, 2003. He held several high-profile posts until he became the president of Azerbaijan on October 3, 1993. He played a major role in enabling his country to obtain its independence after 70 years of Soviet rule.

“Aliyev, due to his wise policies, unwavering convictions and historical vision, succeeded in materialising the idea of national statehood, building a modern Azerbaijani state and realising the independence dreams of our people,” Imanov said.

As a result of Aliyev’s pro-active role, Azerbaijan started to bridge the gap between East and West and became one of the most dynamic economies in the world, Imanov said.

Aliyev capitalised on the country’s geo-strategic, economic and cultural potential and used them to develop the status of the nation. He is credited with creating a modern, democratic, law-governed and secular state.