An article entitled “Heydar Aliyev – Architect of the Modern State and the Foundations of Strong Partnership Between Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia” has been published in the prestigious Okaz Newspaper newspaper of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
An article entitled “Heydar Aliyev – Architect of the Modern State and the Foundations of Strong Partnership Between Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia” has been published in the prestigious Okaz Newspaper newspaper of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The article broadly presents the historic role of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, in the establishment and strengthening of the modern Azerbaijani state. It notes that Heydar Aliyev’s return to power in 1993 was of decisive importance in restoring stability during the most difficult period of the country, preventing civil confrontation, and strengthening national unity. Under his leadership, the first Constitution of independent Azerbaijan was adopted, laying the foundations for the rule of law and state-building. The article also highlights that the signing of the “Contract of the Century” in 1994 became a turning point in Azerbaijan’s economic development. The agreement enabled the attraction of large-scale foreign investments and created favorable conditions for Azerbaijan to gain an important position in international energy markets. Special attention is also paid to Heydar Aliyev’s approach toward Islam and Islamic values. He regarded Islam as an inseparable part of Azerbaijan’s national and spiritual identity and emphasized the principles of peace, brotherhood, and humanism promoted by the religion. At the same time, he consistently underlined the importance of solidarity and cooperation within the Islamic world. The article further notes that the development of relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was one of the important directions of Heydar Aliyev’s foreign policy. In particular, it states that his official visit to Saudi Arabia in 1994 played a significant role in shaping Azerbaijan–Saudi relations. During the visit, he held a meeting with King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and a number of important agreements were signed. In conclusion, the article emphasizes that Heydar Aliyev’s political legacy continues to form the foundation of Azerbaijan’s development strategy today and contributes to strengthening the country’s position as a reliable and active partner in the Islamic world.