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Speaker: Ilham Aliyev’s election as President in 2003 holds special place in country’s history

16 October 2026 11:42 (UTC +04:00)

“One of the significant events was Ilham Aliyev’s election for the first time as President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on October 15, 2003,” Speaker Sahiba Gafarova said at today’s meeting of the Milli Majlis, APA reports.

Sahiba Gafarova said that the return of National Leader Heydar Aliyev to the country’s leadership in 1993, at a time when the independence of the country was facing serious challenges, was a turning point in the history of Azerbaijani statehood:

“Thanks to the decisive measures he implemented, the threat of the country’s disintegration was eliminated, socio-political stability was ensured, and state institutions were strengthened. The National Leader put forward the concept of national statehood and took important steps toward its implementation. Along with state institutions, he also strengthened the political, economic and legal systems. He ensured the strengthening of state independence and defined the main objectives of domestic and foreign policy. The adoption of the Constitutional Act on the State Independence of Azerbaijan on October 18, 1991, was a historic and significant event.

One of the significant events was also Ilham Aliyev’s election for the first time as President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on October 15, 2003. This day holds a special place in the history of our country. This event opened a new era in the development of our independent statehood. This wise decision of our people determined the subsequent path of development of modern Azerbaijan, rich in historic victories.

The worthy continuation and development of the National Leader’s political course by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has made it possible not only to preserve the achievements made, but also to accomplish the important goals set. The greatest achievements of the recent period have been the historic victories won in the 44-day Patriotic War and the one-day anti-terror operation under the leadership of the Victorious Commander-in-Chief. The full restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty is the main result of state policy aimed at protecting and defending national interests. These historic events opened a new era in Azerbaijan’s development and created new political and strategic conditions for the future development of our state.

Today, Azerbaijan is carrying out extensive construction and restoration work in the liberated territories. At the same time, Azerbaijan is consistently strengthening its international positions, expanding strategic partnership ties, and putting forward initiatives aimed at ensuring regional stability, developing cooperation and establishing lasting peace in the South Caucasus.

By the way, I would first like to note that the holding of the 7th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Baku is a clear indication of Azerbaijan’s growing international prestige and successful foreign policy.”