As Azerbaijan celebrates the 101st anniversary of birthday of Heydar Aliyev, the National Leader of the Republic on 10 May, it is an occasion not only for reflection but also for profound gratitude for his enduring legacy. Heydar Aliyev's visionary leadership, statesmanship, and commitment to diplomacy have left an indelible mark on Azerbaijan and have played a pivotal role in shaping its relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Born on May 10, 1923, in Nakhchivan, Heydar Aliyev's journey from modest beginnings to becoming the National Leader of Azerbaijan is a testament to his resilience, intellect, and unwavering dedication to his nation. Throughout his tenure as the First Secretary of Soviet Azerbaijan between 1969 and 1982, also as the President of the independent Azerbaijan Republic between 1993 and 2003, Heydar Aliyev's leadership steered Azerbaijan through challenging times, laying the foundations for stability, progress, and prosperity.

Heydar Aliyev was an exceptional figure who wrote the modern history of Azerbaijan. His wise and decisive steps contributed to the enhancement and direction of the creative energy of the Azerbaijani people and revived their national spirit to aspire to build an independent state and follow in the footsteps of their forefathers in establishing the state of Azerbaijan. He managed to direct his people's potential for national development, which faced the risk of being erased from the political map due to Armenian aggression, external pressures, and internal conflicts.

Resolving the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict based on the rules and principles of international law was the main task set by the great leader, and all our country's resources and the capabilities of our people were mobilized to restore historical justice. Thus, the state of Azerbaijan, which is a masterpiece of the great leader, managed to protect its sovereignty and independence by achieving a glorious victory in the 44-day national war. Heydar Aliyev, who left indelible marks in our state's records, was proud to be an Azerbaijani citizen throughout his life, later becoming a source of national pride and fame as a symbol of Azerbaijan around the world.

As mentioned above, Heydar Aliyev's impact extended far beyond Azerbaijan's borders. His foresight and commitment to diplomacy played a crucial role in fostering strong relations between Azerbaijan and the UAE. Heydar Aliyev recognized the importance of building bridges between nations, and under his leadership the bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the UAE flourished.

Heydar Aliyev's personal friendship with the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, also served as a cornerstone for the mutual understanding between our nations. Their shared vision of peace, cooperation, and respect laid the foundation for a robust partnership that continues to thrive today.

Heydar Aliyev's invaluable services in the development of relations between the UAE and Azerbaijan are evident in the numerous areas of cooperation between our countries. From energy and trade to culture and tourism, Azerbaijan and the UAE have forged strong ties that benefit our economies and enrich the lives of our citizens.

Since Azerbaijan will be hosting UN Climate Change Conference (COP-29) this year in Baku, it is vital to address Heydar Aliyev's commitment to environmental sustainability and climate policies in Azerbaijan that paved the way for the country’s Presidency in this particular international conference. Recognizing the importance of addressing climate change and its impacts on future generations, Heydar Aliyev initiated several strategic measures to mitigate environmental degradation and promote sustainable development practices. Under his leadership, Azerbaijan implemented policies to diversify its energy sources, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance energy efficiency. Additionally, Heydar Aliyev prioritized the protection of Azerbaijan's rich biodiversity and natural resources, advocating for conservation efforts and sustainable land management practices. His forward-thinking approach to climate policies laid the groundwork for Azerbaijan's continued efforts to address environmental challenges and contribute to global sustainability initiatives.

In commemorating Heydar Aliyev's 101st birthday, we pay tribute to his remarkable legacy and the enduring friendship between Azerbaijan and the UAE. Heydar Aliyev's vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to building bridges between nations serve as a guiding light for us all.