October 15 marks Ilham Aliyev’s 22nd year as president of Azerbaijan
President Ilham Aliyev’s regular addresses to the nation served as a unifying force, boosting public morale and contributing to the country’s success
BAKU, Azerbaijan (MNTV) — October 15 marks the 22nd anniversary of Ilham Aliyev’s first election as president of Azerbaijan, a milestone that began a new chapter in the country’s political and economic development.
According to AZTV, on October 1, 2003, the late national leader Heydar Aliyev addressed the Azerbaijani people, calling on them to support his political successor and then–First Deputy Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party, Ilham Aliyev, in the upcoming presidential election.
In his message, Heydar Aliyev described Ilham Aliyev as “a highly intelligent, pragmatic person, well-versed in modern world politics and economics, energetic and enterprising.”
He expressed confidence that Ilham Aliyev would continue the country’s progress, uniting the nation’s most capable citizens and fulfilling unfinished state goals.
Responding to that call, Azerbaijani voters overwhelmingly supported Ilham Aliyev in the presidential election held on October 15, 2003, with more than 76 percent of votes cast in his favor. His election marked the beginning of a new era in Azerbaijan’s modern history.
During his 22 years in office, President Ilham Aliyev has overseen significant political, economic, and social reforms. Under his leadership, Azerbaijan has expanded its economic capabilities, modernized its armed forces, and strengthened its standing in the international arena. The country has also participated in major regional and global infrastructure projects, aligning national development with its strategic interests.
One of the defining achievements of his presidency has been the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. Under Aliyev’s leadership, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces achieved victory in the 44-day Patriotic War of 2020, leading to the liberation of the occupied territories — a goal long envisioned by Heydar Aliyev.
Throughout that conflict, President Ilham Aliyev’s regular addresses to the nation served as a unifying force, boosting public morale and contributing to the country’s military and political success.
Today, Azerbaijan continues large-scale reconstruction and revitalization efforts in the liberated territories of Karabakh. Infrastructure development, resettlement programs, and social projects are underway, aiming to transform the region and enable former internally displaced persons to return to their ancestral homes.
With ongoing economic growth and modernization initiatives, observers note that Azerbaijan under President Ilham Aliyev continues to pursue the vision of prosperity and stability outlined by the late national leader, Heydar Aliyev, 22 years ago.
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