President Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of Heydar Aliyev Park, Heydar Aliyev Center and “Jirtdan” Children’s Entertainment Park in Lokbatan settlement of Baku.
Event participants welcomed the President warmly.
President Ilham Aliyev was briefed about the capital reconstruction and renovation works carried out in the Heydar Aliyev Park. The President was told that every condition had been created for meaningful leisure of residents as a result of the full reconstruction works carried out in the park. New stripes of greenery had been planted, modern lighting systems and benches set, and nice fountains built.
It was mentioned that Heydar Aliyev Center was built in the park to study and propagate the rich political legacy of national leader, architect and founder of the contemporary independent Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev.
The President laid flowers at a monument to national leader Heydar Aliyev, built in the park.
President Ilham Aliyev met with public figures of Garadagh District. In his congratulatory remarks, the President said:
- Let me heartily congratulate you on the opening of the Heydar Aliyev Centre. It is a beautiful facility. We are participating in its opening together. It lends further beauty both to Garadagh District and its administrative center of Lokbatan. It is very valuable from a functional standpoint. In general, I am very pleased with the work under way here. I am sure you will agree with me. Local residents can see the wonderful changes taking place here and are actively involved in their implementation. Now this park is possibly one of the most beautiful parks in Baku. Excellent conditions have been created and improvement work carried out here. In addition to the park, all the buildings have been renovated, streets have been built and expanded. In other words, the improvement work carried out here shows that where there is a will, a desire and an entrepreneurial spirit, you can do everything.
I am very glad that such a great job has been done in Garadagh District in recent years and over a short period of time. As you know, I have always treated Garadagh District with particular attention. We can say that this is where my political activity began. In 1995, the people of Garadagh showed me their confidence by electing me to the Milli Majlis. And I have tried to justify this great confidence. I have repeatedly visited Garadagh District to study the situation. Today, as President of the country, I am striving to facilitate the development of Garadagh District, the largest district of Baku.
There is rapid economic and industrial development in the district. Garadagh is becoming Azerbaijan’s powerful industrial center. The enterprises being established and plants being built here will further enhance the economic power of the district and lead to the creation of new jobs.
Not very long ago, we laid the foundation of a large cement plant being built by foreign investors. Most likely, the plant will become operational next year. Garadagh District also saw the foundation-laying ceremony for a shipyard, a highly important enterprise for our country. The construction of a new Baku seaport began in Garadagh last year as well.
Of course, Garadagh District is very large – it covers nearly half of Baku. The geographical location of the territory is such that there are good opportunities for turning the district into a major industrial hub. On the other hand, and this is true, Garadagh District must also contribute to the development of the country's industrial potential. At present, Azerbaijan is conducting a consistent policy towards industrialization. We are creating a powerful industrial potential in various sectors. Now we are seriously engaged in establishing two major industrial centers, of course, in addition to Baku. One of them is the city of Sumgayit, a traditional center of our petrochemical industry. Currently, on a par with traditional industries, we are creating a powerful industrial potential in Sumgayit. Garadagh District is to become a second industrial center. We also plan to set up a large petrochemical complex in Garadagh District in the future.
Considering such rapid development of the district, a large power station was built and commissioned in Garadagh District on my initiative a few years ago. The capacity of the Sangachal modular power unit, if I am not mistaken, is 300 megawatts. That was a step into the future because we knew at the time that the new industrial enterprises being established here would require additional power. We are doing everything according to plan, and I want to say again that along with all the industrial work, I am very pleased with the wonderful improvement carried out over a short period of time. I want all our cities and squares to be as beautiful, so that our people could benefit from these excellent conditions and citizens of Azerbaijan could live comfortably. From here we can also see a beautiful house that was commissioned recently. The building constructed for the families of martyrs and those handicapped in the Karabakh war makes this square even more beautiful.
Both economic and social issues are always in our focus. We are beginning 2011 with great hopes. This is my first such meeting in Garadagh District in 2011. I have repeatedly been here before – both last year and in previous years, and I will continue coming here because there will be many more ceremonies here to attend.
Let me sincerely congratulate you on the job well done and achievements made. Thank you.
Tarana Ismayilova thanked President Ilham Aliyev on behalf of residents of the Lokbatan settlement.
President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you very much for your kind words. Indeed, I tried my best from 1995 to 2000 to resolve the problems of the district. With the aid of the said Foundation, a residential building was constructed and the Umid settlement established. Of course, our capabilities were not as strong then. Today Azerbaijan is the fastest growing country in the world. Our material capacities, of course, have increased significantly. We are trying, and so far not without success, to channel these great assets into the development of our country and better well-being of our people. It is not by chance that the world was still dominated by a financial and economic crisis last year, most countries of the European continent had to cut wages and pensions, which, as you know, was causing widespread discontent. Despite that, the minimum wage and the basic pension in Azerbaijan increased last year, investment projects were implemented, social issues resolved, over 70 schools and 40 hospitals built and repaired, Olympic facilities established, such wonderful parks, alleys and roads built.
Yes, Azerbaijan’s successful development is already a reality. As our economic capacities grow, we will certainly be able to do even more.
The work done in Garadagh District holds a special place in the series of major infrastructure projects implemented last year. The construction of a circular road will benefit not only the residents of Baku, but all our citizens. Currently, this road is used by vehicles coming from all directions. Our future plans are also quite ambitious. The work done today is only a good beginning. Although a lot has already been done, our future plans are even more ambitious. We must make Azerbaijan one of the most developed countries in the world. To accomplish that, we are working on a very serious program. We must ensure that in addressing economic and social issues all our criteria are the highest level. And we will achieve that. Our country has a wonderful present and future.
Today, as we open the Heydar Aliyev Center, it is very appropriate to talk about this because the activity of the great leader is the foundation of our success. If the people of Azerbaijan hadn’t invited Heydar Aliyev to take charge of the country in 1993, Azerbaijan could have developed in a completely different direction. We remember those days too well – 1991, 1992, 1993, civil war, economic downturn. We all remember the plight of our cities and districts. The foundation of the current successful development of Azerbaijan was laid in those years. Our goal is to continue this policy, to develop our country, lead it forward, and always be among world leaders in economic and social issues. I wish you and the entire Azerbaijani people further successes in that.
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Residents of the settlement had their picture taken with President Ilham Aliyev.
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Then the head of state cut the ribbon marking the opening of the Heydar Aliyev Center built in a very special manner, and examined the building. It was emphasized that all conditions had been created at the center for studying and promoting the rich heritage of great leader Heydar Aliyev. There is a fully-equipped Internet room at the center.
In the lobby of the center, President Ilham Aliyev looked at the photographs documenting the life and work of great leader Heydar Aliyev.
It was noted that the pictures exhibited at the Heydar Aliyev Centre not only document the nationwide leader’s visits to Garadagh District and his participation in the opening of major industrial facilities, but serve as evidence that the development of the district has always been in the focus of attention for the great leader. Garadagh District has continued to play an important part in the strengthening of Azerbaijan’s economic capacity in the years of independence.
It was stressed that the establishment of the Heydar Aliyev Centre in Lokbatan was important from the point of view of studying and promoting the history of modern Azerbaijan, the heritage of Heydar Aliyev and the extensive political activities of the great leader. The ideas of the great leader are also playing an invaluable part in educating the young generation in a patriotic spirit. The new center is also important from the standpoint of in-depth study and promotion of the general philosophy of statehood and ideology of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev.
It was noted that the Center has a library with a collection of publications about the nationwide leader, and a small cafeteria. There is a meeting room for 50 seats and a conference hall for 220.
The head of state examined the conference room, watched a 3D film about the life and work of great leader Heydar Aliyev.
After touring the Heydar Aliyev Center, the President left a note in the Visitors’ Book.
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Then, President Ilham Aliyev was shown the new children's entertainment park Jirtdan established in the settlement at the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
It was noted that the amusement park in Lokbatan was built with special taste. An indoor children’s cafe Jirtdan is fitted with modern furniture and equipment.
It was emphasized that the park, covering an area of 10,000 square meters, was established according to a special design. It has various attractions and entertainment facilities.
It was indicated that the park can organize various recreation events for children. This confirms that the attention and care for children is a priority state policy in Azerbaijan. Of particular importance in this context are the numerous projects implemented at the initiative of President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva. This noble mission of First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva is intended to build a happy future for our children. Thanks to the kind deeds, Mrs. Aliyev has become a great friend and benefactor for Azerbaijani children.
President Ilham Aliyev expressed his satisfaction with the work done.
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Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev was also familiarized with the new railway overpass built at the entrance to the Lokbatan settlement.
It was noted that the old overpass was not meet contemporary requirements. On the instruction of the President, the construction of a new overpass was started, and a railway overpass meeting highest requirements was built over a short time. A modern lighting system has also been established here.
President Ilham Aliyev issued his recommendations and instructions regarding further improvement and landscaping work on adjacent areas.
