Speech by Ilham Aliyev at the 3rd Meeting of the Interstate Council of Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan in Cholpon-Ata

AZERBAIJAN, July 31 - - Dear Ilham Heydarovich,

Dear members of the Azerbaijani delegation.

I am sincerely glad to welcome you on the shores of our pearl, Lake Issyk-Kul.

I express my gratitude to you for accepting my invitation to pay a state visit to Kyrgyzstan. In Kyrgyzstan, you are respected as the leader of brotherly Azerbaijan and a dear friend of the Kyrgyz people. Under your leadership, Azerbaijan is developing confidently, strengthening its positions on the international stage, and playing an important role in ensuring peace and stability in the region. Today, the country demonstrates impressive results, consistently implements large-scale reforms, and firmly stands up for its national interests. Modern achievements rest on a solid foundation laid by the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, your father, the respected Heydar Aliyev. This constructive path continues. You are ensuring the further development of the country and the strengthening of its role in regional and international processes.

Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan are united by historical roots and spiritual closeness. Our values are reflected in the rich cultural heritage of the two peoples. As the great Nizami Ganjavi wisely noted: "Every friend gained is a gift from heaven." I am particularly proud to say that Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan have found a reliable friend in each other.

Dear Ilham Heydarovich, your visit once again confirms the special nature of Kyrgyz-Azerbaijani relations. We are entering a new stage in the development of bilateral engagement, based on a solid foundation of friendship and mutual respect. There are no unresolved issues between Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan that could hinder the development of our strategic partnership. On the contrary, an atmosphere of complete trust and openness has emerged, allowing us to move forward with confidence.

It is in such an atmosphere that important initiatives and principles are born and decisions shaping the future of our bilateral cooperation are made. It is especially important that all the agreements reached are built on a sincere desire for joint development and the achievement of common goals. Kyrgyz-Azerbaijani cooperation has significant potential for further expanding engagement in transport, energy, investment, security, education, and other areas.

I believe that today's talks will be held in the traditionally trusting and constructive atmosphere. Following the talks, important agreements aimed at the further development of bilateral ties will be reached. Their consistent implementation will serve as a contribution to achieving our common goal—raising the welfare of the brotherly peoples of Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan. The main political outcome will be the signing of the Treaty on Allied Relations.

Once again, I extend a heartfelt welcome to you, dear Ilham Heydarovich, and to the entire Azerbaijani delegation on the hospitable soil of Kyrgyzstan.

Please, dear Ilham Heydarovich, the floor is yours.